Severe Weather Preparedness, How to Protect Home & Family

Severe weather season is officially upon us making severe weather preparedness a must. While most of us enjoy the excitement of tornado season, it’s also important to make sure we’re prepared. Here are some tips to prep yourself, your family and your home in the event of disastrous weather:

1. Take Inventory of Your Belongings

Know the value of your belongings. In the event of a claim that includes your personal property, you will need this information. Your adjuster is going to want to know the dollar value of all your belongings. They will not write a check for the Personal Property limit listed on your declarations page. The easiest way to take a quick inventory of your belongings is by photo or video. Go room to room in your home and capture a quick shot of everything in there. Be sure to keep the photos or videos in a secure spot so you will have access to them if they are needed. After disaster strikes, you do not want to be going thru your head trying to remember everything you own.

2. Have Your Disaster Plan Ready

Where will you and your family be going when a tornado strikes? The centermost closet of your home or your neighbors’ shelter across the street? Talk with your household family members. Make sure everyone knows where to go when the sirens start blaring. Be sure to leave a tote filled with essentials in your safety area:

• Water
• Snacks
• Flashlights
• Radio
• First Aid Kit

This way you will have quick access to everything when needed. At the start of every storm season, be sure to check the batteries in your flashlights and in your radio!

3. Prevent Further Damage to Your Home

Severe weather preparedness also means doing what is needed after the storm.  In the event your home gets hit by a storm, do your best to prevent any more damage from occurring. Have a roofer come out and place a tarp over any roof impairments. Shut off the water to your home if you feel your plumbing system has been compromised. Check for live wires before using any electrical gadgets or appliances. And always use caution. In the event of catastrophic damage, wait for the all clear from authorities. They will let you know when it is safe to enter your home or neighborhood.

4. Take Lots of Pictures

Again, here is where our smartphones are so handy. Take a lot of pictures of any and all damage. After a catastrophic loss, insurance adjusters become overloaded with claims to handle. And, it may be days before they can come out and inspect your property. Have documentation ready to present to them. It will make their job, and your life, a lot easier.

5. Don’t Fall Victim to Scammers

Unfortunately, scammers swarm like cockroaches, taking advantage of people when their are vulnerable. Sure, you’ll be ready to pick up the pieces of your life and move on. As we all would! Avoid being a victim. Always ask contractors for a certificate of insurance showing proof of liability coverage. Never sign into contracts or agreements that you do not fully understand!

Get more severe weather preparedness tips. Safeguard yourself and your family before and after the storm by reaching out to our agency. We are always here to help. Send us an email or call 405-769-6701.