Data indicates one out of every 35 property owners file a weather-related insurance claim, and upwards of 40 percent of annual claims are driven by high winds or roofs getting pelted by hail. Needless to say, insurance coverage costs keep going up as a result. Proactively preparing your property and protecting your family from severe weather could prove invaluable.
It’s essential to identify the weak points in your home’s exterior defenses. Perhaps the most important and common vulnerability involves roofing systems. Property owners generally don’t give roofs much thought unless they need a new one. The asphalt shingles and metal sheets are your primary defense against water incursions. Moisture presents the greatest danger to buildings because it causes rot, mold, and weakens the structural integrity of buildings. These are other elements worth inspecting:
Front and Rear Door Strength and Security
Window Panes and Framing
House Siding and Skirting
Consider taking a long look at the landscape surrounding your house. Ask yourself whether the grading is sufficient for moving water from heavy rain away from the building. If you do not work in the home construction trades, consult with a building inspection company or contractor.
Regardless of whether your doors pass inspection muster, it’s generally a good idea to reinforce them before the storm season arrives. High winds can push doors open unless they have deadbolts and heavy-duty frames and hinges. Windows routinely crack due to flying debris and objects. These are ways to prevent wind damage:
Install Impact-Resistant Windows
Install Deadbolts and Strong Hinges
Add Exterior Storm Doors
Add Functional Shutters that Cover Windows
Before moving forward with measures to protect your home and family, consider speaking with a local home improvement professional. You may be able to save money on products and building materials.
Severe weather can happen in an instant and can leave individuals without power for extended periods of time. Rather than finding yourself unprepared when the unimaginable happens, an emergency supply kit can help you get through hard times. Consider this emergency supply kit checklist.
One gallon of water for each person per day
Supply of non-perishable food items
Manual can openers and plastic utensils
First aid kit with over-the-counter medication
Flashlights and plenty of batteries
Pet food and supplies
Toiletry items and moist towelettes
It may be prudent to maintain a backup supply of prescription medications. Extended power outages can impact supply chains and the availability of critical drugs.
Thoughtful storm season preparedness requires families, friends, and neighbors to have a communication plan in place, should they become separated. Although adding contact information to everyone’s phone can prove useful, cell signals sometimes falter after severe weather strikes. These are other family communication measures to consider:
Select a location where family members gather after the danger passes
Choose a family member or friend to stay with outside the area
Educate young children about the use of 911
Teach everyone how to shut off the gas, electricity, and water
One of the items homeowners sometimes overlook involves reviewing their insurance policy. Check the document to ensure it is up-to-date and provides high wind, hail, and flood coverage. You may need to add a rider to be fully insured.
Constructing a storm shelter that conforms to FEMA guidelines provides significant protection for you and your loved ones. Designed to withstand severe weather events such as tornadoes, they are safe locations to store emergency supplies and shelter in place. Storm shelters can be erected above ground, but underground options offer greater protection against flying objects and passing tornadoes. Building a storm shelter on your property also eliminates the need to travel to a designated safe place. These are other benefits that come with building a storm shelter on your property:
Safe haven for people who cannot evacuate
Quick access in the event of a surprise storm
Storm shelters typically increase property values
Residents who invest in a storm shelter discover a sense of inner peace. That’s largely because the worry that comes with living in a region prone to destructive weather can hover like a dark cloud in the back of our minds.
Homeowners do not need to deplete their savings to protect their loved ones before the storm season arrives. Financing the project through a specialized Storm Shelter Loan provides a cost-effective way to fund the project. Property owners can enjoy low-interest opportunities and flexible repayment terms. You’ll also gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a safe place on the property.
At Allegiance, we provide Storm Shelter Loans to our valued community members. If you are considering improving home safety by adding a storm shelter, contact us today, and let’s get the process started!