A major storm can do a lot of damage to a home in the blink of an eye, and your homeowners insurance may not cover all the repairs. That’s why it’s important to make sure your home is prepared for unexpected weather events.
Hailstorm
Hail annually causes over $1 billion in damage, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). If a hailstorm is headed your way, put all outdoor belongings under a covered area.
To protect windows, install storm shutters that can quickly be closed when a storm comes. During the storm, all your family members and pets should remain indoors until the last of the hail has fallen.
Lightning Strikes
Electricity generated from lightning storms could severely damage your home if you aren’t prepared.
The easiest way to minimize this type of damage is to install a lightning protection system. These systems usually include wires and rods that redirect the energy when a lightning strike occurs.
For particularly bad lightning storms, unplug all electronics in your home.
High Winds
Gusts of wind can lift outdoor objects and send them crashing down on your home. If you live in an area that gets high winds, secure all the objects in your yard including patio furniture, umbrellas, tools and toys.
You can also hire a local roofing contractor to install roof anchors and connectors. These devices tether the roof to the foundation of the home, and they can minimize damage during high winds.
Wildfires
Protecting your home from wildfires takes time, but that hard work will be worth it during the dry and windy season.
First, make sure there’s no dead vegetation on your property. Also, trim your trees so no branches are within 10 feet of your home. Keeping your lawn trimmed and watered at all times will minimize your risk of fire damage.
In addition to making your home safer and more secure, consider upgrading your homeowner’s insurance to include specific weather events.
An inexpensive insurance rider could help you repair your home and replace belongings after a storm or fire blows through.