Storm headed your way?

Straight-line winds, ice or heavy snow can wreak havoc and cause serious disruption to your daily lives.

Being prepared for a storm can ease your anxiety and potentially reduce damage to your home.

 

Here are 7 quick and easy home tips you can use to prepare for a severe storm.

 

1. Photograph or video the interior or exterior of your home.

This documents the type and condition of your interior and exterior materials, as well as personal property in your house. This is a relatively quick way to inventory your valuables and contents.

 

2. Make sure your homeowners insurance policy is up-to-date.

Tell your agent about any major improvements or changes to your house. Your homeowners policy can’t cover something the insurance company does not know exists. Some home improvements to discuss with your agent include: remodeling, room additions, adding a deck, installing a pool, and anything that adds significant value to your home.

 

3. Designate a safe place in your home to take shelter during a storm.

A basement or room on the lowest level of your home with few windows or large furniture. Make sure everyone in your family knows the safe place in your home to go in the event of a severe storm.

 

4. Be prepared with flashlights, batteries, a battery-operated radio, and physical copies of important contact information.

It’s a good idea to have these items on hand in the event you lose power for a period of time during a storm. We are used to having phone numbers saved on our cell phones. In the event of a power outage that lasts several days, you’ll have the contact information for important people and organizations you need to contact with a different phone.

 

5. Clean gutters and downspouts around your house.

When rain or a snowstorm comes, you need a clear drainage path from your roof for rain and melting snow. Otherwise, water may pool near your foundation and get into the basement, or ice dams will form on the roof, sending water into the walls of your home.

 

6. Trim trees and branches.

Wind and snow storms can do a lot of damage. Remove trees that pose a potential risk of falling on your home or on another property you value.

 

7. Stay informed.

Make sure you have the means to get weather notifications. Keep in mind some storms come in the middle of the night. So, allow notifications and keep the sound on to hear weather alerts on your phone.

 

Preparation before severe storms can make a huge difference in not only reducing storm damage but also the stress on you and your family. By implementing these simple home tips, you may be able to make this year’s severe storms feel a little less severe.

We hope these tips help you feel prepared in the event of severe rain or snowstorm.

Questions about your homeowners policy? Contact us. We look forward to answering your questions.

 

About the Authors:

Connie Greenwood, Personal Insurance Advisor

Connie Greenwood has 35 years of experience as an Insurance Advisor. She enjoys helping her clients and prospects understand their insurance options, and crafting insurance solutions tailored to their unique needs. Connie finds great joy in being a trusted advisor for her clients. She loves helping protect their financial welfare against unforeseen accidents and circumstances and bringing them peace of mind.

 

Tim Pingel, Personal Insurance Advisor

Tim Pingel has almost 20 years of experience as a personal insurance adviser. He provides individuals, couples, and families with home, auto, and umbrella insurance. His ultimate goal is to be his clients’ trusted adviser and expert, so they have the peace of mind and protection they deserve.

Notes: https://www.auto-owners.com/ao-blog/-/blogs/7-ways-to-prepare-for-storm-damage-you-probably-haven-t-heard-before

Notes: https://www.auto-owners.com/ao-blog/-/blogs/10-quick-easy-home-tips-to-prepare-for-severe-storms