For a couple of months now, Texas homeowners have battled with wildfire outbreaks, dust and dry heat. The endless state of drought had taken away the surrounding green landscapes and left households with the mental weight of conserving water usage. Everyone hoped and prayed for change, and finally, news arrived; rains are coming! It's an appropriate time for us to discuss how to prepare a home for heavy rains after a long drought, and how homeowners can get the best out of the rains to come.
It's true that the long drought and dry heat present a severe hazard, but the sudden downpour after a long dry spell may also cause other problems, including flooding. So, it's important to prepare your home adequately and to anticipate potential risks. Start by clearing drains and gutters. If the drainage channels in your yard are already blocked, make sure that you find ways to get rid of all the debris that might inhibit the flow of water. Make plans to cover exposed surfaces to stop water from causing extensive damage. You can find several affordable and practical options, such as buying waterproof tarpaulins or sealers to apply on your house’s openings.
After the long drought, rains come with heavy winds, making it quite necessary to secure all outdoor items. These can include patio furniture and plant pots which can prove to be flying hazards in the event of extreme wind storms. Move all items indoors or make sure you have a proper tie-down for outdoor furniture. Potted plants can be placed under tables and against the wall to ensure protection from the rain and also reduce the chances of them falling over. Ensure that outdoor items like live power lines and transformers are moved to a safer location, inaccessible from the public.
For Texas homeowners who have endured the harsh drought period, an increase in temperature can negatively affect their air conditioning units' functionality. Extreme heat can easily cause damage to the exterior and compressor unit of these appliances, just as it can cause other appliances to malfunction. New weather patterns require a proactive air conditioning checkup and maintenance to ensure that it's functioning accurately and does not break down once rains fall. This is the best time to hire a licensed HVAC contractor to check your unit and provide you with solutions to potential problems that can occur.
It's important to reiterate that Texas homeowners who have had to limit their water usage will now get a reprieve. A lot of water will be available, and it's important to use this to the best of our abilities. Rainwater harvesting is the best way to collect rainwater and use it for various essential household activities. Rainwater harvesting is an eco-friendly practice and doubles as a money-saving technique. It helps you to store water for use during drought seasons, reduces your water bills and helps you to support your local groundwater sources.
The long-awaited blessing of rain brings with it new patterns to which Texas homeowners must adapt. Prepare your home by checking the drainage systems, clearing gutters and securing outdoor items. Ensure your air conditioning unit is in perfect working condition, and check how to save a lot of the rainwater for later use while it is being poured. Finally, sit back, relax, and allow the rainfall to rejuvenate your surroundings post-drought. As you now understand, with some preparation, homeowners could make the most of rain after a drought. The best part? Hopeful green lands and the end of the painful drought season are finally in sight.
