Don’t wait until it’s too late! Prepare your home for the next storm with our comprehensive checklist, designed to help you minimize damage and ensure safety.
Assess And Fortify Your Home’s Structure
Ensuring that your home’s structure can withstand heavy rainfall is crucial. Start by inspecting your roof for any missing or damaged shingles and repair as needed. Check your gutters and downspouts to make sure they are clear of debris and functioning properly to prevent water from pooling around your home’s foundation.
Consider investing in storm shutters or impact-resistant windows to protect your home from high winds and flying debris. Reinforce doors and garage doors to provide additional protection. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can significantly reduce the risk of structural damage during a storm.
Create An Emergency Supply Kit
An emergency supply kit is essential for weathering a storm safely and comfortably. Include items such as non-perishable food, bottled water, medications, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and essential documents like insurance policies and identification.
Don’t forget to include items for your pets, such as food, water, and any necessary medications. Keep your emergency supply kit in an easily accessible location and ensure all family members know where it is stored.
Develop A Family Emergency Plan
Having a clear emergency plan can help ensure your family’s safety during a storm. Establish a communication plan to stay in touch with family members, especially if you become separated. Designate a safe room in your home where everyone can gather during severe weather.
Practice your emergency plan regularly and make sure all family members are familiar with the procedures. Discuss evacuation routes and identify a meeting place outside your home in case you need to leave quickly.
Secure Outdoor Items and Vehicles
Before a storm hits, secure any outdoor items that could become projectiles in high winds. Bring patio furniture, grills, and potted plants indoors. If you have a shed or garage, use it to store larger items like bicycles and lawn equipment.
Park vehicles in a garage or another safe location to protect them from potential damage. If you don’t have access to covered parking, consider using a car cover or moving your vehicle away from trees and power lines.
Review And Update Your Insurance Coverage
It’s essential to review your insurance policies to ensure you have adequate coverage for storm-related damage. Contact your insurance provider to discuss your current coverage and consider adding flood insurance if you live in a flood-prone area.
Keep an updated inventory of your home’s contents, including photos or videos of valuable items. This documentation can be invaluable when filing a claim after a storm. Regularly reviewing and updating your insurance coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of a disaster.
Act Quickly to Prevent Damage After a Storm
Despite all the actions taken to prepare for the heavy amounts of rainfall, we can still be met with flooding and water damage. Acting quickly is the most important thing we can do to minimize the damage on our home and our wallets in the time of crisis. Take a look at one of our previous blog posts to follow the easy steps to follow after a huge rainstorm.
Blog courtesy of our partners at The Philadelphia Contributionship