How to Protect Your Home From Storm Damage

You can’t control the weather, but if a storm strikes, you want to make sure that your family and your property are safe. Many homeowners dread their property getting damaged in a storm. Bad weather is unavoidable, and you can never know how severe a storm will be. That’s why storm prep is a big part of being a property owner, especially if you live in a region that is regularly hit by extreme weather events. Here are some tips to help you protect your home from storm damage. 

Property maintenance 

Keeping on top of your property maintenance can make a difference when it comes to storm damage. You don’t want any holes where rainwater could enter or any loose parts that could be torn away by strong winds. Pay attention to the roof. Tiles need to be secure, and any shingle should be nailed down correctly. It’s a good idea to get your roof inspected twice yearly anyway, to ensure that it’s not damaged. But if a storm is forecast, you might want to double-check that everything is in order. It’s also vital that your gutters are clear of debris and they can transport rainwater away from your property. You don’t want the foundations of your home to become flooded, or your roof to be damaged by overflowing gutters. If water gets into your property, you could have much more extensive damage on your hands. 

You need to check your sidings, too. Make sure it isn’t damaged and that everything is securely fitted. If your siding is damaged, it’s worth replacing it. The cost involved is a decent investment if it saves you structural damage to your property. Likewise, doors and windows need to be completely sealed and structurally sound. See your home as a fortress, with harsh winds as the enemy. Anything that could potentially be ripped up or damaged needs to be secured, sealed, or replaced. 

Insurance 

Damage from extreme weather events, like floods and storms, is often covered in your home insurance policy. Be sure to double-check and read the fine print. Not all damages will be covered. If your house gets damaged in a storm, you’ll need to contact your insurance company. If you find that they are reluctant or delayed in paying out, contact a property damage lawyer to help you. 

It’s essential to consider your own liability too. For example, if you don’t properly maintain your home and a neighbor is injured in a storm as a result, you could become liable. It’s worth seeing if your insurance policy also covers this. Your insurance company will be able to advise you on this. 

Safety 

You’ve done what you can to keep the property safe, now you need to s safety plan for your family. Just like you do for a fire or other emergency, you need a plan in place for what you’ll do if a severe storm hits. You might want to decide on a safe shelter to use in the event of extreme weather. Make sure you’ve got the basics, like food, drink, blankets, and a first aid kit. You might also want to store some candles and a back-up generator, as it’s power outages are a common result of harsh storms. 

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