Preparing Your Home for Spring Storms: Insurance Tips for Weathering the Season

Spring brings warmer weather, blooming flowers and a nice change from the bitter winter weather. However, it also brings unpredictable storms that can lead to flooding, hail, lightning strikes and heavy rains. It’s essential to prepare your home for potentially damaging spring storms.

How to Prepare Your Home for Spring Storms

To help prepare your home and family for spring storms, consider the following tips:

• Review your insurance coverage. Review your homeowners insurance to understand what storm-related damage is covered. Consider adding optional coverages like water backup or flood coverage. Knowing you’re covered can offer peace of mind when severe weather strikes.
• Conduct gutter maintenance. Spring showers can be intense, so make sure your gutters, drains and downspouts are clear of winter debris. This allows heavy rains to flow freely off your roof. Ensure downspouts are secure and direct water away from your home’s foundation. If needed, add extensions to improve drainage.
• Trim trees and prune branches. Lanky limbs and branches can snap off during windstorms, potentially damaging your home or power lines. Regularly prune trees to prevent this. Additionally, consider hiring a professional to assess and trim any hazardous branches near your house.
• Check your sump pump. If your home has a sump pump, test it for cleanliness, operability and proper drainage. Additionally, consider installing a battery-powered backup sump pump to maintain functionality during power outages. An automatic standby generator can also help maintain essential electrical systems during storms.
• Secure outdoor items. When strong winds are forecast, secure patio furniture, grills and other yard items. Store them in your garage or shed to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles during storms.
• Protect windows and glass. Close and secure storm shutters if your home has them. Keep blinds and shades drawn, and consider taping or tacking window coverings around the edges to protect against broken, flying glass. For vehicles exposed to the elements, tie thick blankets over them to minimize hail damage.
• Create an emergency kit. Prepare an emergency kit and keep it in a central location in your home. Basic supplies should include the following:

• Flashlight and fresh batteries
• Battery or solar-powered weather radio or transistor radio
• First-aid supplies
• Hand sanitizer or wipes
• Three-day supply of canned or dried food and water, accounting for pets

Homeowners Insurance in Bartow, FL

Contact Anzar Insurance Group to review your homeowners insurance. We can make coverage recommendations to help financially protect you from spring storms.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.