5 Ways to Get Your House Ready for Severe Storms

Published On - March 17, 2022

Admin3vrdm123 Home Maintenance, Home Safety, Water Damage, Weather
5 Ways to Get Your House Ready for Severe Storms - Storm brewing image

5 Ways to Get Your House Ready for Severe Storms by Community Public Adjusters

We are approaching the beginning of spring across the United States which comes with an increase in rain storms for March and April.  As storm activity begins to pick up, it is important that you prepare your family and your home for the coming severe storms.

Here are 5 tips to help you prepare your home for the stormy months ahead.

1) Check Your Roof, Skylights, and Flashing

Carefully inspect the edges of your roof, as well as around skylights, vents, and chimneys for missing flashing. A severe storm may rip flashing off, especially around ridge vents and other exposed areas.

  • Add to the strength of your roof by using ring-shank nails when fastening roof decking during a re-roof.
  • Prevent roof deck exposure by re-cementing any loose shingles.
  • Use a self-adhering membrane or roofing tape to seal the roof deck
  • All flashing should be sealed and aligned properly

2) Prepare Your Electronics

Ensure that your phone(s), laptop computer, tablet, and other major electronics are fully charged before the storm hits. It is not a good feeling to find out when you need your device the most, it is not charged, and you have no power!

If you have a desktop computer, backup your work and unplug the computer and monitor or you risk a surge of electricity that could fry your hard drive and other critical computer components

If you do loose power, these electronic devices can be an effective tool for important updated information regarding the storm.

Also, make sure you have fresh batteries for your flashlights. Again, do not wait until the power goes out to look for a flashlight or batteries, they are most likely hidden in a drawer somewhere!

If you have a standby / portable generator, make sure that it is working properly for the coming storm. Make sure you have an adequate supply of gasoline if you have a gas engine generator.

Remember to do your routine maintenance, this will provide you the peace of mind that the motor is ready to provide you with electricity, when you need it most.

3) Prepare Your Trees

Trees add beauty to your property but can be a deadly force if the wind is relentless and the tree is weak. Make sure your trees are trimmed, and remove branches that are dangling, it is important to have large trees evaluated by an arborist. An arborist can make them less susceptible to storm damage.

4) Gutters and Downspouts

Properly functioning gutters can prevent water damage to your home, saving you thousands of dollars in repairs.

  • Clear any debris from your gutter before the wind does it.
  • Add screen or guard to your gutter
  • Ensure the downspouts terminate in an area where water can freely flow.

5) Siding

Your siding covers the majority of your home’s exterior, it is also the first line of defense against the elements. One of the most common types of property damage after a storm is roof and siding damage!

  • Inspect your home’s siding prior to storm season and note any issues.
  • Secure any loose objects

After the storm

  • Check your home and property for damage.
  • Keep clear of damaged buildings or trees.
  • Open all doors and windows to remove moisture and humidity.
  • Disinfect and sanitize.
  • Make sure you review your Insurance policies.
  • Review your home insurance policy to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your home.

Make use of Your Camera

The most common types of storm-related damage are to roofs, siding, and windows. As you inspect your home, make sure you take photos of everything and do not move anything unless it is necessary. This is a great way to document any damage that has occurred due to the storm. The more evidence that you have, the better your chances when you put in an insurance claim.

About Community Public Adjusters

Community Public Adjusters specializes in homeowners and business insurance claim representation. Our public adjusters and property loss consultants work diligently to make sure you get the maximum possible settlement from the insurance company regarding your insurance claim.

We offer claim representation services on a contingency basis, if we do not collect any funds for you, we do not get paid at all. Community Public Adjusters has expert knowledge on how the insurance claim process works. We work with you on every step of the claims process.

We represent home and business owners and have vast experience with the following types of claims

Submit a claim now

 

5 Ways to Get Your House Ready for Severe Storms by Community Public Adjusters