A destructive storm comes through your town, wrecking havoc every which way it can. Everything from flooding to fallen down trees, there is no way we can prevent these events from happening. While this is true, it is possible to minimize the damage to your home if you take certain preventative measures ahead of time.
Obviously, having the proper amount of home insurance coverage will help you cover the financial burden of having to repair or replace something that has been damaged from a storm. But, there are some simple steps you can take to protect your home from further damage, protecting your bank account at the time.
Wind
Gusts of wind have the ability to knock over outdoor furniture or pick up tiny branches that could potentially scratch your car. Strong winds can cause trees to fall on your house, resulting in a costly home insurance claim. To prevent events like this from happening, pay attention to weather forecasts and consider moving furniture to covered areas around your home. Pick up loose branches in or around your yard or in your driveway.
Nonweather-Related Water
Conduct regular inspections of your dishwasher, washing machine, and toilets inside your home as they are the most common sources of leaks and water damage inside homes. Check your hoses for wear and replace it if needed. If you plan to be away from your home for any considerable amount of time, think about shutting off your main water valve to give yourself peace of mind. No one wants to worry about potential water disasters while they’re on vacation.
Hail
As stated before, anticipated bad weather and taking necessary preventative measures ahead of time is the best way to protect your home from damage. While we can’t control how hail moves or where it strikes, we can move our valuables out of harms way. For example, If you have a garage, move your car inside before the bad weather comes. That way, you won’t have to worry about dents, dings, or scratches caused by hail or other objects flying around.
Weather-Related Water
Making sure that your roof is in prime condition is an excellent way to make sure your home will be protected from torrential downpours. If you live in an area that tends to have periods of heavy snow, make sure to remove the snow accumulation from your roof before it melts and leaks into your house. Your gutters should always be clean, too.
Theft
When it comes to your protecting your car, keeping it inside your garage may be your best option to prevent thefts from occurring. If that is not an option for you, be sure to remove any valuables from your car before going inside your home. You can also lock them away. It’s best to keep anything valuable out of plain sight. In addition, installing home security systems, motion detectors, alarms, and cameras may help deter thieves from entering your home. Finally, keep your windows and doors locked.