How Do I Protect Myself During Periods of High Winds?
Get yourself indoors
Your safety is what’s most important during a storm. A home and a car can always be repaired or replaced. You can’t be. As tempting as it may be to be close to the storm for a good viewing, elect to at least stay a safe distance away from any windows if you want to watch the storm.
Take shelter
If for any reason you are unable to get indoors, try to find a place that has cover like a parking garage or overhang. Do not stand next to roadways.
Pull over
If you’re in the unfortunate situation of driving during a storm, slow down and keep both of your hands firmly on the steering wheel to maintain control. If possible, create more space between your car and cars around you. For example, if you’re in the middle lane and there is a car to your left in the left lane, move your car over to the right lane. As always, check your rearview and side mirrors before changing lanes. If the rain is too heavy to the point where you feel unsafe to continue driving, pull over and turn on your hazard lights so that other cars on the road can see you. Park away from trees or other objects that could fall and hurt you or damage your vehicle.
How Do I Protect My Home From High Winds?
Trim your trees
Dead trees and loose branches can pose a serious threat to your home. Make sure you remove any dead trees and trim any loose branches because they can scratch or dent your car as well as damage the siding of your home. You also don’t want any broken windows. Better to be safe than sorry. Make sure trees and branches are also a safe distance away from any power lines.
Secure shutters and gutters
Frequently inspect your shutters, gutters, and siding of your home. Repair them before the storm hits.
Protect windows and doors
Storm shutters may prove to be a healthy, wise investment if you live in area that is prone to have a lot of storms and high winds.
Store outdoor furniture and other items
Pool furniture like tables and chairs should be properly stowed out of harms way. High winds have the ability to pick up furniture, pillows, and trash cans.
Have your roof professionally inspected
Consider hiring a professional to inspect your roof. Their skills in identifying problem areas will prove to be extremely helpful to you. They can advise you on what your next steps should be, whether it’s to replace to loose shingles or to have the entire roof replaced. They can also help you through the insurance claim process.
Call us!
Most homeowners are not thoroughly familiar with everything that is listed in their insurance policy. Much like some legal documents, insurance policies contain language that may seem confusing to some. Our experienced insurance professionals will be happy to answer any and all questions you may have related to your insurance needs. It’s important to remember that once a storm has been identified, it’s too late to add any additional coverage you might need to protect yourself from a storm. It’s better to already have that coverage in place on your policy. That way, you know you’re covered.
How Do I Protect My Vehicle During High Winds?
Find covered parking
Parking your car in a garage is the safest way for your protect your car during a storm. If you do not have a garage and are out and about during a storm, consider parking at a shopping mall to wait out the storm.
Use a car cover
If you do not have access to covered parking or a garage, use a car cover to protect your car from flying debris during a storm. Be sure to park away from trees.
Obtain comprehensive insurance coverage
There are two types of insurance when it comes to auto insurance: collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage is anything other than a collision with another vehicle and is the only coverage that it optional for you to obtain. However, we do highly recommend it. During periods with high winds, flying debris can dent or scratch your car. The only way to cover this kind of damage is by having comprehensive coverage.