24/7 Emergency Service
Be prepared for wind damage
2/22/2019 (Permalink)
Most home owners when preparing their homes for any storms, don’t think about wind as a threat, though it causes billions of dollars in property damage every year. With that being said, it’s a good idea to know some tips and tricks on how to prepare your household for a wind storm.
- Pick up around your yard
- Most people don’t take into consideration that anything lying around in your backyard can become a flying weapon, which can do significant damage to your home in high winds, let alone is dangerous in it of itself. If you see a wind advisory for your area, it is best to pick up any loose outdoor belongings like lawn furniture, garden tools, grills, sports equipment, bicycles, fallen tree branches etc.
- Check out the trees on your property
- The last thing you want is a branch crashing through your kitchen window or roof during a wind storm. That’s why it’s extremely important to inspect the trees on your property for loose or damaged branches. It’s also important to get rid of any dangerous or dead trees taken care of as soon as possible especially during a wind storm.
- Inspect your roof for weaknesses
- High winds can completely tear up your roof and lead to bigger problems like water damage to your homes structural properties and belongings. It is imperative that you routinely inspect your roof for things like loose or damaged shingles, debris, bare spots etc.
- Check weather stripping on doors and windows
- Weather stripping is designed to keep the elements from coming indoors, so make sure yours is in good condition on both your doors and windows. Weather stripping that is in good condition will help keep windy drafts from coming into your home and will also ensure cold/warm air doesn’t escape.
- Reinforce windows, doors and garage door
- Home safety features such as storm shutters will not only keep your home and belongings safer, but will also help you earn homeowners insurance discounts.
- Make sure your emergency supply kit is up to date
- You never know how damaging or drastic a wind storm can be, so it is always a good idea to prepare a supply kit just in case.
The following items are a great start to your kit:
o 3 days worth of water and non-perishables for each member of your family
o a manual can opener
o A hand-crank or battery-powered radio so you can stay up to date on advisories
o Cash, flashlights, and extra batteries
o Food, water, and toys for your pets
o Infant formula and diapers, if necessary
o Entertainment such as books, magazines, and battery-power electronics
o Medications, a first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and trash bags
o Solar chargers for cell phones and other electronics
o Copies of important documents, like insurance policies, emergency contact info, and IDs
o A warm blanket or sleeping bag for everyone in the family
o At least one change of clothing
o A fire extinguisher
- Double check your home inventory
- Maintaining a thorough, up-to-date home inventory can be a real lifesaver if high winds cause major damage to your home and its contents. Document and keep receipts for high-value items like furniture, electronics, appliances, and clothing, as well as any upgrades or renovations you've made to your house. Be sure to update your home inventory list with any new purchases, upgrades, or changes you make to your place. If you ever need to file a claim after high winds (or any other covered incident) damage your home or belongings, a well-maintained inventory can significantly speed along the claims process and help you get your house feeling like home again.
- Turn down the temp on your fridge and freezer
- If your area is expecting high winds, there’s a chance your power may go out. Turning down the temperature of your fridge and freezer can save you time and help prevent food from spoiling as quickly.
- Look at your homeowners’ insurance
- Before storm season hits, look at your homeowner’s coverages and limits to ensure they're enough to fully protect you in the event of catastrophe.