Towards the end of the week there is a threat of severe weather in many regions of Germany with heavy rain, hail and gusts of wind. Here you can find out what precautionary measures you can take to protect your home from possible damage caused by rain or storms.
After the predominantly sunny, dry weeks so far, the German Weather Service (DWD) warns of heavy rain, hail and gusts of wind in parts of Germany. Since the air is very humid, larger amounts of rain can fall regionally in a short time, the weather service reports. From Friday, the DWD warns of heavy and prolonged showers from the Ore Mountains to the Alps – in 24 hours up to 120 liters per square meter of rain are possible in some areas.
What is good for nature, ecosystems and groundwater after the drought of the past few weeks can pose a threat to property owners and homeowners. However, damage caused by thunderstorms, storms and wet conditions can be minimized with most measures.
Major damage can be avoided as far as possible with just a few simple steps. FOCUS online has summarized the best tips that you can use to protect your house from damage caused by storms, both immediately and preventively.
1. Close windows, roller blinds and shutters completely
Do not leave the roller shutters in the “half position”, otherwise the wind will penetrate between the half-closed shutters and the window and push the roller shutter out of its guide. In addition, close as many windows and doors as possible – including those in the basement.
2. Clear away loose objects and fasten loose ones
In gusts of wind, loose objects usually cause damage. Clear away even the smallest parts accordingly. Also secure the rubbish bins and, if necessary, repark your car so that flying objects or branches cannot damage it.
Fasten loose canopies, gutters, shutters, balcony railings or awnings to prevent them from tearing loose.
3. Remove old storm damage and clear control channels
Check your house for old storm damage – for example loose roof tiles, shingles or paneling on dormers and gables – to secure them if necessary. If rain gutters are clogged with leaves, clear them out, otherwise the rain threatens to overflow and damage the facade.
4. Remove important items from basement rooms
In addition to personal items, you should also clear away dangerous substances and chemicals such as petrol and oil, pesticides and paint. If the latter get into the water, for example, the fire brigade has to move in.
5. Turn off the power
Prioritize turning off power in rooms most likely to be flooded during heavy rain. In an emergency, you should also flip the circuit breaker for the entire house. If there is a short circuit in the water, there is a risk of death.
6. Get sandbags, plastic sheeting, and planks to seal the house
Focus on doors and windows without thresholds on the ground floor, light shafts and windows as well as external stairs to basements.
7. Secure oil stoves and heating tanks
They cause the highest amount of damage in basements and can also pollute the environment through leaking oil.
You can already take measures during construction to prevent long-term damage. However, some gadgets can also be installed later. The Flood Competence Center (HKC) has summarized the most important aspects in a graphic:
1. Backflow flaps
When it rains heavily, the soil and sewage system usually have difficulties absorbing the large amounts of water. Especially after the long dry period of the last few weeks, the floors are particularly hard and dry, which means that water can seep into the house through the drains.
A backflow flap closes the pipes from below and prevents water from penetrating from the sewage system through backflow into the interior of the house. Backflow flaps are essential, especially for buildings that are below the backflow level. The backwater level is usually at the level of the nearest manhole cover on the street. Backwater flaps can also be retrofitted to your home.
2. Dammbalkensysteme
Stop log systems – usually made of aluminum – can effectively secure low-lying building openings such as driveways, basements, house entrances or garages. Unlike sandbags, they can be used as often as you like and hold higher water levels. There are now even systems that build up automatically when they come into contact with water.
3. More mobile protection elements
Window flaps, water barriers and upstands on light shafts and basement entrances protect your house from further moisture damage. Seal basement rooms vertically and horizontally and lay out drainage.
4. “White Tub”
Check pipe penetrations against pressing water: Keyword “white tank”. This refers to watertight structures made of concrete that are able to take on the load-bearing and sealing function. Additional sealing is not required.
5. Laubfanggitter
Install leaf guards in the gutter. These prevent leaves and needles from surrounding trees from collecting in the gutter and blocking it.
The consumer advice center has summarized further measures in an e-book.
