Extreme Weather Readiness for Your Home

Matt Weber
3 days ago
3 min read

Mother Nature is certainly making her presence known across the USA this winter. Different storms require different preparation, and advance warning can give you the chance to get ahead of potential damage. Keep a close eye on forecasts for severe weather events and prepare your home before a storm hits.

While you can’t prepare your house for every possible storm, taking small steps today could prevent costly repairs later down the road.

Help prepare your home for extreme weather by:

Checking and cleaning gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
Inspecting your roof, chimney, and attic for damage. Look for visible damage like missing or cracked shingles, or for signs of moisture, leaks, or mold.
Keeping insurance and records up-to-date. Confirm coverage limits and check for specific add-ons, such as flood or earthquake insurance.
Creating an up-to-date home inventory with photos and receipts. Store copies digitally as well as off-site.

Winter Storms

Winter storms can catch you by surprise if you live in an area that doesn’t experience them often. To prepare, you can:

Stock up on emergency supplies, such as non-perishable food, prescription medicine, pet food, and first aid supplies.
Check if you have a properly vented heat source, like a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater.
Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working properly.
Gather extra blankets and clothes to keep at your home and in your car, including mittens, hats, boots, and coats.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes and flood events are often forecast weeks ahead of time. Monitor forecasts and act early:

Board up your windows or close your storm shutters, if you have them.
Use sandbags to prevent flooding around the foundation of your home.
Tie down or tie together large outdoor furniture and move small outdoor items indoors.
Stock up on non-perishable food, drinking water and pet food. Fill your car with gas and stock up on gas for your generator, if you have one. Move your car to higher ground if you’re concerned about flooding.
Charge your devices and make sure flashlights and other small electronics have new batteries.
If you live in an area that might be evacuated during a storm, make an emergency preparedness plan. Pack a “go bag” with your vital documents, medications, clothing, cash and other essentials, and decide where you will go in case of an evacuation.

Heat Waves

Unlike other severe weather, heat waves can last for weeks or even months. To prepare:

Weather-proof your home affordably by weather-stripping doors and windows, using window reflectors, or covering windows with shades.
Spend time in cooler public spaces, like libraries or shopping malls, if you don’t have AC.
Watch for signs of heat-related illnesses.

Steps to Take After Weather Hits

Once it’s safe, assess your home for damage and gather documentation to file a claim with your insurance provider, if necessary.

Carefully examine your home and property for hazards such as downed power lines or structural damage, like cracks or leaning walls. Don’t enter a building if you’re not sure it’s safe.
Take note of any damage to your property, buildings, and belongings. Write down a detailed description and take photos and videos of the items and damages. Note the date and time, too.
Contact a professional to conduct a more thorough investigation for structural damage, water damage, or other problems, if necessary.
If any utilities aren’t visibly damaged or aren’t working properly, contact your provider and report it.
Contact your insurance company and begin the claim process, if necessary. Keep thorough records and receipts when you get quotes from contractors.

6. Only 30 percent of surveyed homeowners have reviewed their policy to understand what is and isn't covered for severe weather or storm damage. Don’t wait until after a storm to learn what your policy includes.

Special thanks to Hippo Home Insurance for contributing to this article.