Spring is quickly approaching and so is the time when the weather could become volatile without notice. The Southeast tends to be more prone to spring storms than other parts of the country. Now is not the time to fool Mother Nature, so take today to review your homeowner’s insurance policies to make sure you are prepared and covered should a storm blow your way.
We strive to help keep you and your family safe. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) offers the following recommendations for safeguarding and adding a layer of protection to your home should it suffer damage from wind, rain, tornadoes or hurricanes:
- Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy:
It’s a good idea to review your policies to make sure you’re covered for any damage or losses caused by natural disasters or storms. You may have to purchase additional coverages not included in your homeowner’s policy to cover damage from hurricanes, flooding or tornadoes. You should also take photos and videos of your belongings as documentation.
- Seal Your Windows and Doors:
According to the NAHB, to prevent wind and water from entering through windows, cracks, entry doors and garage doors, make sure you check for leaks in vulnerable areas. Wind funneling through your house pushes upward and could lift the roof, allowing heavy rains to damage the interior of your home.
Especially in hurricane-prone areas, it is important to seal your windows and doors as tightly as possible. You can purchase and install special storm shutters to cover your windows.
- Storm Shutters:
For those living in the coastal regions, you may want to consider installing storm shutter panels. The panels can be fitted to protect your windows and can easily cover your windows when you are preparing for a storm. They also can be stored conveniently when not in use.
- Steel Doors:
If your area is prone to more storms, the NAHB recommends that you consider replacing double doors, french doors or sliding glass doors with steel doors as an added layer of protection. Standard doors in homes do not protect either side during high winds.
- Roof:
Make sure your roof is in good condition. If your roof needs work, make sure it is completed before storm season. You may want to hire a contractor to check the structural integrity of your roof. Make sure that you have appropriate sealing around vent pipes and chimneys to keep water out of your home. Clean out gutters and downspouts; excess water can leak into the foundations and cause structural damage if a spillover occurs.
- Clear Your Yard:
When a storm is approaching, secure any lawn furniture, trash cans, and lawn ornaments and check your trees for low-hanging limbs.
- Sheltering in Place:
Designate a room or basement in your home to stock up on items you need should you decide to shelter in place during a storm. The NAHB recommends keeping a battery-operated radio, several flashlights in case you lose electricity, and plastic sheeting to cover exposed areas.
It is also a good idea to purchase helmets to protect your head during tornado warnings. Make sure you also have an emergency kit with extra medications as well as important documentation stored in a weatherproof box or safe.
The Prewitt Group offers a comprehensive policy that protects your personal residence, your personal property (and contents) and your personal liability.