Storm Preparation Guide
Storm preporation
Storm preparation now can same you thousands of dollars in the future. It can help protect your home, your wallet, and the people that matter most to you. Advanced preporation helps keep your house structurally sound, can help minimize safety concerns and protects you and your family.
Common Causes of Storm Damage:
– Wind Damage – Hail Damage – Water Damage & Flooding – Fallen Trees -Frozen pipes
How Preventative Measures & Maintenance Can Reduce Costly Repairs & Insurance Claims:
– Prevents Denied Claims – Stops Small Issues from Escalating – Can Reduce Overall Premiums
Create an emergency plan
- Have a list of emergency contacts
- Have evacuation routes
- Communicate with your family so everyone undersands the plan in case of an emergency
- if you have pets, have a plan on how to transport them as well
Build an emergency supply kit
Include:
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- Medications
- Phone chargers
- First aid kit
- Important documents
protect exterior of the home:
Roof Maintenance
- Inspect for missing shingles
- Repair loose flashing
- Check for roof leaks
- Trim overhanging branches
Gutters and Drainage
- Clean gutters/downspouts
- Ensure water drains away from foundation
- Inspect sump pumps
Windows and Doors
- Seal gaps/cracks
- Install storm shutters if applicable
- Reinforce garage doors
Trees and Landscaping
- Remove dead branches
- Trim trees near structures
- Secure outdoor furniture and grills
Protect against water damage
- Inspect plumbing regularly
- Know where the water shutoff valve is
- Test sump pumps
- Install battery backup systems
- Check appliance hoses
- Consider water leak detectors
During the storm: Safety Tips
- Stay indoors
- Avoid flooded areas
- Stay away from downed power lines
- Turn off utilities if instructed
- Monitor weather alerts
After the storm: conduct a safe property inspection
Check for:
- Roof damage
- Water intrusion
- Broken pipes
- Electrical hazards
- Mold odors
- Structural concerns
If you find storm damage, prevent secondary damage
- Remove standing water quickly
- Dry wet materials immediately
- Tarp exposed roofs
- Board up broken windows
- Document damage before cleanup
When to call a restoration professional
- Water sitting longer than 24 hours
- Visible mold growth
- Sewage contamination
- Structural instability
- Smoke or soot contamination
- Wet insulation/drywall
Seasonal storm-specific tips:
Thunderstorm Safety Tips:
- Inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles
- Clean gutters and downspouts to allow proper drainage
- Trim dead or overhanging tree branches near the home
- Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and loose objects
- Test your sump pump and backup battery system
- Keep flashlights, batteries, and emergency supplies readily available
- Unplug sensitive electronics during severe lightning activity
- Monitor local weather alerts and warnings
Tornado Safety Tips:
- Identify a safe shelter location such as a basement or interior room
- Create an emergency communication and evacuation plan
- Keep emergency supplies and important documents easily accessible
- Reinforce garage doors and inspect roofing materials regularly
- Remove weak or damaged trees near the property
- Secure outdoor furniture and equipment before storms arrive
- Stay informed through weather radios and emergency alerts
Winter Storm Safety Tips:
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas
- Keep indoor temperatures consistent during cold weather
- Allow faucets to drip during extreme freezing conditions
- Service heating systems and replace furnace filters regularly
- Remove excess snow buildup from roofs when safe to do so
- Seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent drafts
- Keep gutters clean to reduce the risk of ice dams
- Stock emergency supplies in case of power outages
Flood Safety Tips:
- Install and maintain sump pumps with battery backups
- Ensure gutters and downspouts direct water away from the foundation
- Seal foundation cracks and inspect basement walls regularly
- Elevate valuables and important documents above potential flood levels
- Avoid storing items directly on basement floors
- Consider flood insurance if your property is in a high-risk area
- Know how to safely shut off utilities if flooding occurs
- Never walk or drive through standing floodwater
Hailstorm Safety Tips:
- Schedule regular roof inspections to identify vulnerable areas
- Inspect shingles, flashing, and siding for wear or damage
- Park vehicles in covered areas when severe weather is expected
- Protect outdoor equipment and patio furniture when possible
- Trim trees to reduce the risk of broken branches during storms
- Monitor weather alerts during severe storm conditions
Our emergency response team is available 24/7 for water, storm, and structural damage emergencies.
Fast and complete response from Damage Control! Last January our basement flooded on a Friday night. Our sump pump discharge froze pipe froze, resulting in tripping the sump pump GFCI, and frying our back up battery sump pump. The team from Damage Control responded promptly and worked until all water was removed from our basement and helped drying out our belongings.