Prepare Your Home For Storm Season

Tornadoes, Wildfires, Hurricanes – Oh My!

Each year, tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes and storms create chaos for home and business owners across the United States. Here are some steps you can take to help protect your home or business from any potential property disasters.

Cleaning Gutters

Start by removing leaves and other collected debris from your gutters. Debris can clog gutters and send water pouring down the side of your building or even under the roof. While cleaning the gutters, you can also inspect the roof, making sure shingles or tiles aren’t damaged. Check that all vents are completely sealed so that rain driven by the wind won’t enter your interior space.

Secure Your Yard

Walk your property and secure any lawn furniture or other outdoor objects before a storm arrives, so that strong winds won’t turn them into airborne projectiles! Bring outdoor furniture or decorations that would be damaged inside – such as plants pots, hanging bird feeders or lawn decorations.

Trim Trees

Loose branches and falling trees are common causes of damage during storm events. Consider having a tree service or arborist visit your property to inspect the trees near your home to help identify any branches that could cause damage during a severe storm.

Be Prepared

An emergency kit could prove to be a necessity if you get caught in an unexpected storm event. It is recommended that you have the following items on hand, at a minimum: a radio (with extra batteries), flashlights, a first-aid kit, and enough food and water to last several days.

Take A Home Inventory

In the event that your home or business is destroyed by a storm, it might be hard to remember every item you owned. It also may be difficult to track down receipts for the expenses for your most valuable items. Take some time to create an updated inventory. Taking pictures or recording a quick video tour of your building could prove to be valuable to you as you begin the claims process with your insurance company.