Summer can be a time for severe weather, with risks of thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes being higher than at other times of the year. While it may be impossible to prevent severe weather from ever threatening your home or causing damage, there are some things you can do to prepare — and plan for after the storm has passed.
Preparation for Severe Weather
Well in advance of severe weather, you can prepare by making sure your homeowner’s insurance covers damage from storms. Not all standard policies cover flooding or “acts of God,” as storms are sometimes called, so you may need to purchase additional coverage to adequately meet your needs.
If you live in an area that is especially prone to storms, it may be worthwhile to take steps to make your home more resistant to damage. Replacing your windows with storm resistant glass and making sure your roof was installed with the maximum number of nails per shingle can help minimize damage and prevent later repairs.
If a severe storm like a hurricane is imminent, you may be able to board up your windows so that they won’t blow in as easily. If you decide not to leave your home ahead of a storm, having non-perishable food on hand along with a way to cook without electricity and maybe even a generator to keep your fridge or freezer running are other good ways to prepare for the worst.
Of course, if the authorities recommend leaving the area, it’s best to follow those recommendations. For the times you are allowed to stay, Ready.gov recommends having a family emergency plan so that everyone in your household knows where to meet and what to do if an emergency occurs.
Tornadoes are dangerous, so it’s important to know ahead of time how to protect yourself and your home.
Staying Safe in a Storm
If a tornado threatens your immediate area, you should take shelter in the lowest room in your house, away from windows and doors. Other precautions you can take are to get under a sturdy table or pull a mattress over top of you to cushion you from flying debris or falling objects. If you have a helmet, this may also help protect you from injury if the tornado causes damage to your house.
In the case of a hurricane, watch for rising flood waters and prepare to move to higher areas within your home if water begins to fill it. Staying away from windows is also a good idea during a hurricane. For severe thunderstorms, be alert to flash flooding and stay away from windows and doors that have metal parts to avoid being electrocuted if lightning would strike.
After the Storm
If your home is damaged by severe weather, be sure contact your insurance company to get coverage of the damage. An experienced contractor can make quality repairs and get your home looking as good as new. Contact Moonworks at 1-800-975-6666 to get your free estimate for any home repair or renovation needs.
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