Hurricane season—that time of the year generally starting in June and going till the end of November—brings with it the increased risk of damage to homes and expensive repair bills for homeowners. High winds, intense storms, and potential flooding can all lead to serious and extensive damage ranging from torn off roof shingles to basements with knee-high water.
The cost of repairing damage due to flooding can be overwhelming to homeowners, but there are some ways to take proactive measures against damage, as well as to protect yourself in the event that damage does occur. Here are our top five ways to prepare your home for hurricane season:
- Secure your roof
Your roof is one of the largest areas of potential damage in a severe storm or hurricane. Besides being an extremely expensive repair project, a compromised roof opens our home up to exposure to the elements and further damage to the structures and belongings inside. One of the best ways to keep your home prepared for hurricane season is to keep a regular and thorough maintenance routine, having your roof professionally inspected once or, if you live in an area that is prone to harsher weather conditions, twice a year. Take care of any needed repairs immediately before they become larger problems, and you will eliminate at least some of the potential ways that high winds and heavy rains can damage your roof.
- Seal windows, doors, and holes
As temperatures rise and fall over time, materials like caulking and sealings can expand and contract, leading to the potential for cracking or loosening that can create an opening for wind-blown rain to get into your home. Regularly check the sealing around your doors and your windows to make sure it is sound and uncompromised, and if you discover any areas of weakness, be sure to reseal the area right away. Don’t forget to include in your inspection any holes that have been drilled into the house for cable or utility wires.
- Make an emergency storm kit
An emergency storm kit will help you and your family in the event of a storm that causes you to lose power. Some of the items you should keep in your kit are blankets, water and non-perishable food–enough for the family for two or three days—flashlights, batteries, and important documents. These documents should include your insurance information, like the name and contact information of your agent, your policy number, and the information you will need to file a claim if necessary. It might also include information about evacuation routes, emergency contacts in other locations so you can reach someone if you need help or a place to stay, and notes about how to make provisions for any pets you might have as you and your family deal with the aftermath of a major storm. Even if all of this information is in your cell phone, keep a paper copy in case your battery runs out and you can’t recharge it, or you lose coverage due to downed wires.
- Inventory your assets
If you end of having to file a claim for damages, the process will go a lot more smoothly if you already have compiled a list of your valued assets, from property to vehicles and possessions, and their approximate value. Keep with your inventory any warranties, receipts, or other documentation that can help you prove your ownership and the value of the items, and update this list regularly, or at least with each significant new purchase. Your inventory and the accompanying documentation can be kept safe and dry in the event of a hurricane if you secure it in your storm kit.
- Maintain a good homeowner’s insurance policy
All of the preventive measures in the world may not be enough to completely save your home from damage in the event of a severe storm or hurricane. That’s why it’s critical to consult with Superior Insurance and Auto Tags to identify the policy that will provide you with the coverage you need. Depending on your geographic location, this may include additions to homeowner’s insurance like flood insurance. Be sure to review this policy regularly to make sure it still suits you, and that you understand what is covered and how to make a claim.
For questions about how to keep your home covered in the event of a severe storm or hurricane, speak with an expert insurance agent at Superior Insurance and Auto Tags today!