Protecting Your Home and Belongings During a Storm

9/30/2021 (Permalink)

The planet appears to be holding nothing back as storms rage across the United States. From hurricanes in the east, heavy rainfall and flooding in the southern plains, tornadoes in the midwest, and hail storms and wildfires in the west, the need to protect and insure your property is at an all-time high. And we haven’t even gotten to winter yet! Here are some tips to help protect your home from severe weather.

1. Know what your insurance covers. Check your insurance policy to see if your plan covers damage caused by a natural disaster. Damage caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, or flooding is typically not covered in a home policy and must be purchased separately. 
2. Make a list or videotape your possessions. Go through your home and make a list or videotape the items in it. Keep this in a safe place outside of your home, such as a safe deposit box. If something happens that requires you to file a claim, this documentation will prove very helpful in supporting your claim.
3. Seal your windows and doors. Not only does it help reduce your energy costs, but sealing your windows and doors will also help protect your home against water and wind damage.
4. Assess your roof. A roof is critical to keeping your home safe during a storm. Hire someone to check the structural integrity of your roof. Apply sealant around your pipes and chimney to ensure water doesn’t enter your home. 
5. Clear gutters and storm drains. Fall is coming, and with it, lots of fallen leaves. Be sure to clear your gutters to allow water to drain without obstruction. If your gutters are clogged, water can leak into your foundation and create damage to your home. In the winter, clogged gutters can cause ice dam buildup.
6. Trim branches away from your roof. Tree branches can damage your roof, break windows and scrape the side of your home. Ideally, no branches should touch your home. Trim any branches that hang over your roofline regularly. Hire a professional to remove or trim branches close to your home or do it yourself (if you can safely). 
7. Install a carbon monoxide detector. Oregon law requires that all homes either sold or rented have a working carbon monoxide detector installed.