Preparing for Summer Storms

4/12/2020 (Permalink)

As we get out of winter and inch closer to summer, it is important to remember another season that is coming up, tornado season. Every year tornadoes cost about $400 million in damage across the United States every year, with an average cost of $8,179 per house. Just one category F5 tornado, the strongest on the Fujita scale, can cause over $1 billion in damage by itself. To avoid having your entire year ruined by being unprepared for spring storm damage, here are some tips for saving time and money.

• The best way to be prepared for storm damage is to have an insurance policy that covers storm-related damage. Check with your insurance provider to make sure damage from wind, lightning and falling tree branches. You should make sure you are covered now, before the storm comes through. While you can take measures to reduce damage, a powerful storm can destroy any safety measures you take, so being covered is your best bet.
• Once you know you are covered for after the storm, there are steps you can take to reduce the possible damage inflicted. One is to reduce the amount of debris available around your house that could be blown into your walls and windows. Dead trees and branches should be trimmed or removed so that they will not be a potential hazard for a violent storm. Also, you should remove items in your yard such as grills, furniture, and children’s play equipment and store them inside when a storm alert has issued.
• While protecting your property is important, your first thought should be of those living in your home. Making sure you are set up to withstand the storm is a crucial step in keeping you and your family safe. You should have a designated shelter area that is in the basement or ground level. This area should have no windows and enough room for your entire family to stay in for a few hours until the storm is over. In this area you should have essentials such as: includes flashlights, a first aid kit, and blankets for if the power goes out. You can customize your shelter area to fit your needs as space allows.
• Make sure to have a generator prepared as well. A severe storm can knock out power for days and you will be without electricity for your refrigerator, lights, and electric heaters. While power lines are down, generators are one of the first things sold out in stores, so getting one today is a smart, proactive move.

Storms can be frightening; they can be even worse if you are unprepared. Take these steps to ensure you are ready this summer for any kind of weather.