Posts Tagged ‘ Storms ’

Helpful Tips to Prepare Your Home for Spring Storms

We’ve all heard the quote, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” And those words certainly ring true when it comes to preparing your home to withstand the often crazy spring storm season. Taking just a few preventative measures now can save you from dealing with substantial damage later.

Now that warmer temperatures are here and homeowners are thinking about spring cleaning and projects around the house, it’s an ideal time to take steps to prevent storm damage to your home. Here are a few tips to prepare for the stormy season ahead:

1. Identify any existing roof or siding problems: A licensed contractor can inspect your roof for missing shingles and possible leaks and do any repair work if necessary. It’s also a good idea to inspect and reinforce any loose siding, which can quickly rip off during high winds.

2. Use shredded bark mulch as landscaping material: If you have rock or gravel landscaping, it’s a good idea to replace it with bark, which won’t cause damage if blown around in high winds.

3. Maintain trees and shrubbery in your yard: Spring is the perfect time to remove dead or weak branches or remove trees that could fall on your home during a storm. Check trees and shrubs regularly to identify potential problems.

4. Ensure gutters aren’t loose or clogged: Clear your gutters of debris and make sure they are tightly attached to your house. Strong winds can quickly tear loose gutters from your home and cause damage. Also, it’s important to make sure downspouts are positioned away from your home’s foundation to help prevent basement flooding.

5. Secure top-heavy furniture: Don’t forget about the inside of your home too. Walk around your house and secure large, top-heavy pieces, such as bookcases, to the wall.

Now it’s time to follow through and take action. We have been fortunate that the last two years have produced quiet hurricane seasons in the tropical Atlantic. And according Colorado State University researchers, this year also looks to be quiet. However, we all know that forecasts are subject to change and it’s always important to be prepared.

Of course, sometimes careful prevention and planning can’t withstand the wrath of Mother Nature. An Access Home Insurance Company policy provides coverage for most severe weather-related losses – other than flooding. A separate policy to cover flood damage is available. If your home does sustain damage during a storm, contact your insurance agent.

For information on our claims process or to submit a claim, visit the Claims page.

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Six Easy Steps to Prepare for Severe Storms

Have you ever noticed how much smoother things go when you’re prepared? It’s like you’re on auto pilot – you know the steps to take, you know where things are, and you just get it done! NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) would like us to take that same approach right now. During March, the NWS is asking us to prepare for severe storms. Spring is an unpredictable and active season. It can sometimes bring us a weather mixture that makes our heads turn. It’s quite possible that in the next three months we’ll make our way through severe storms, tornados, heavy wind and rain and possibly even floods.

So what can you do to be prepared? Actually, quite a bit. Access Home Insurance and NWS encourages all families to take a few steps BEFORE severe weather hits. Knowing your risks before you start can help outline what steps you should take. And while you’re at it, bring your family into the task. Get them involved and they will more likely be respectful of your wishes.

Here are six action items you can take to prepare you and your family for severe weather.

1. Be in the know! Check out the NWS website for detailed information on all types of weather alerts and safety information. Make sure you hyperlink the site on your phone and computer.
2. Create an emergency plan. Check your emergency supply kit (flashlights, batteries, water, first aid, etc.) or create a kit if you don’t have one (Access Home Insurance provides a list of what you need). Place the kit in a designated location – making sure everyone knows where it is. Your emergency plan should include a plan for communicating with everyone in the family during or after a severe event. Once you’ve organized the plan and everyone understands their responsibilities, post the plan in your home where it is visible by family and friends – allowing everyone to become familiar with it.
3. Gather documentation. Keep important papers (including your Access Home Insurance Policy) and valuables in a safe, secure place. If you have pets, your documentation should include veterinarian records.
4. Identify appropriate shelters. What location in your home is the safest? Is there a neighborhood or community location where you can go in the event you have to evacuate your home? If you have a dog or cat, check to see if they allow pets. It’s also wise to share this information with your neighbors or other family members. Consider social media updates – Facebook and Twitter are great ways to communicate this information, as it provides instant updates and notifications.
5. Ask Experts. Learn how to strengthen your home and business against severe weather. And pass this valuable information on to your community, school or church meetings.
6. Do some research. Governments are more sophisticated now about notifying people about disasters. How will your government notify you? Be sure you are registered for any system in place. In most cases, you can also sign-up for additional alerts through social media and local news as well. Understand your local warning systems/signals and share your knowledge with your co-workers and friends through email, they’ll appreciate your concern. And as mentioned previously, use social media to post information as well.

To learn more about local weather preparedness and awareness events for your state, visit the
Weather Preparedness Events Calendar.

 

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