A leaky, damaged roof can be very stressful, especially if you have small children. You need to keep them calm and out of the way without ignoring the situation. The following tips can help you handle leaks and roof damage when you have small children.
Barricade the Area
If you are worried about your curious children inspecting the damage, it is best to barricade the area. You may be able to block off a small area with a freestanding baby gate, but it may be best to close off the entire room if there is significant damage. You also need to create a safe environment by removing electronics and covering the outlets. Consider having your children stay in other areas in your house to avoid the rooms with damage. For instance, you could make a makeshift kitchen in the living room, use the guest bedroom and bathroom, or move the play area to the basement.
Call A Professional
A leaky or damaged roof can create a dangerous environment for small children, which is why you should call in a qualified roofing company as soon as possible. The key is to have the roof repaired or replaced before the damage becomes worse. Once the contractors inspect the roof, find out how long it may take to repair or replace it. This way, you know what kind of arrangements to make for your children.
Alternative Living Arrangements
If it is going to take several days or weeks to repair or replace your roof, you may want to make alternate living arrangements for your family. A close relative or friend may have enough space for everyone, or you may decide to stay in a hotel or an Airbnb for a few days. You may be able to stay in your house, but you may need to avoid the area that needs to be repaired or replaced.
Keep Them Occupied
There is also a chance your roof is only going to have minor damage that takes a few hours to repair. If this is the case, you want to find a way to keep your children occupied for a few hours. You can always arrange for them to spend time in the backyard or take them to visit your local park. If you cannot leave the house for any reason, keep them occupied in another room with toys, games, crafts, books or movies. This way, you can rest assured that your children are safe and out of the way.
If you keep the above tips in mind, it is possible to get handle on a leaky or damaged roof with small children in the house.
