Here are seven tips to protect your property when wind, rain and hail threaten.
Posted in Articles on Thursday, May 18, 2023
It’s a beautiful time when the days get warmer and longer, and the soft rains of April bring the beautiful flowers of May. But then the storms hit. Windstorms, hailstorms, rainstorms, and depending on where you live, a wet and heavy snowstorm might also slip in. Thankfully, these storms are usually a mere nuisance. We stay indoors and grumble until they pass. But high winds, tornadoes, hail, and extreme amounts of rain can cause damage both inside and outside your home or business. They can also damage vehicles that aren’t under cover.
We can’t stop the storms from coming, but there are things we can do to stay safe and try to minimalize the damage.
- Inspect your roof often and maintain the flashing and siding.
- Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
- Inspect trees on or near your property. Prune loose branches and any branches hanging over your property.
- Remove debris, outdoor furniture (if possible), and outdoor recreational equipment.
- Close and lock windows, doors, and the garage door.
- If possible, place vehicles in a garage or cover them with a secured tarp.
- Keep your phone’s emergency alerts on.
When the storm has passed, survey your property. If you have damage, call your insurance carrier to file a claim. Most companies provide a toll-free number that is staffed 24/7. They will take your statement and get an adjuster assigned so the repair process starts.
As always, contact your agent if you have questions or are concerned with what your policy covers. Peace of mind can help those storms be just a little more bearable.