$48 billion in property damage. That’s how much money was spent in 2021 because of winter storms and hurricanes alone.
But that’s summer and winter weather. What about spring weather? Can thunderstorms cause this much money in property damage?
Well, severe storms can cause a lot of damage since it’s more than just thunder and lightning. These spring weather storms can cause hail, strong winds, heavy rain, fallen trees and branches, deadly tornadoes, and flooding. Wind damage and flooding alone cost $54 billion to the U.S. economy yearly.
If you don’t want to be spending money out of pocket this year with the looming spring weather and storms, here are a few tips for how to stormproof your home.
Stay Informed About the Weather
One of the best things you can do for yourself when it comes to spring weather is to stay informed about the weather every day. Being informed can ensure that you are prepared for something that comes out of nowhere, like a severe storm or tornado warning.
By staying informed, you know if you need to bring in patio furniture, take down the outdoor umbrella, or potentially put down shutters if the storm produces heavy rains.
These small steps can help you save money on window damage and damage to your house if winds pick up and move furniture or other objects around.
Keep Up With Lawn Care
You may push your lawn care to the wayside because it seems like an extra thing on your to-do list.
In reality, staying up to date with your lawn care ahead of time can help you when a storm rolls in.
This is especially true with tree care. Loose branches and limbs can blow off during a storm. When this happens, they could blow into your furniture, windows, glass doors, and gutters.
Seal All Cracks and Openings in Your Home
Have you been staring at a little crack at the bottom of your sliding glass door that leads to your backyard but avoiding it for the past few months? Now maybe the time to stop avoiding this task since spring storms are right around the corner.
You should also check that your door’s threshold seals when shut to ensure that heavy rains won’t get into your home and cause water damage.
Prepare Your Windows
As we mentioned before, if you are up-to-speed with the weather in your area, you have time to prepare your windows, so they don’t incur damage during a storm.
If you are in an area susceptible to storms, having storm shutters or hurricane shutters is an excellent investment. They help protect the glass from cracking or breaking from loose debris like trees or other things like hail. They also can help keep the windows sealed from heavy rain.
Don’t have any storm shutters? That’s not a problem! You can make your own by putting up a few pieces of plywood to cover the windows you feel are most susceptible to the storm.
Not able to make that happen either? Taping an X on your window with heavy-duty tape can prevent the window from fulling cracking in case of something hitting it.
Review Your Insurance Policy
Depending on where you live, the type of homeowner’s insurance can determine what is covered during natural disasters like spring storms.
Double-check to make sure that your insurance policy covers fallen trees and tree damage if you live in an area that has severe storms with wind or frequent tornadoes. If you live in a low-lying area, you should consider flood insurance.
For instance, most homeowners’ insurance policies do not require flood insurance. However, some states require separate flood insurance policies in areas near the water. Most residential homes in Texas are not required to have flood insurance, but it could be a good idea if you feel that hurricanes or severe storms could cause a flood in the area.
Additionally, investing time to learn about roof insurance policies is another good idea to prepare for spring weather. A good insurance policy can protect you from paying out of pocket for roof damage from hail, severe winds, or other types of extreme weather.
Get Backup Supplies
In case of an emergency storm or a power outage in your area, it is always good to have a set of backup supplies. Here’s a list of a few things that you should keep as part of this supply set:
- Flashlight
- Backup generator
- Extra batteries
- Cooler to put food in if the power outage lasts longer than 4 hours
- Candles and matches
- Ice in your freezer to put in the cooler if it is needed
By having these supplies ready, you will always be prepared if a storm comes your way unexpectedly.
Prepare Your Home for Spring Weather With These Helpful Tips
Dealing with severe storms and spring weather can take its toll on your home.
By following these tips, like making sure you have backup supplies to care for your family or those who live with you, checking your home for leaks, securing your windows, and double-checking your insurance policies, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about this year’s storms!
If you think you need to have your roof checked as spring has sprung, now is the time to call! If you’re in Texas, Lousiana, Oklahoma, or Kansas, we can help!
