Make sure you are prepared in case your home suffers storm damage
With Severe Weather Preparedness Week close behind in the rearview mirror and the potential for spring storms growing, now would be a good time for some quick tips and information on what to do around the home in the event of severe weather.
The Four-States area is no stranger to severe weather. Strong, damaging storms are almost commonplace this time of year. With several severe storms already passing through in recent days, local residents might still have some questions about what to do in preparation or what to do in case your home sustains any damage.
Of course, when it comes to keeping your home safe, there is nothing more important than making sure your roof is up to standard. Superior Roofing and Construction’s Kohl Slaughter told KZRG that proper preparation is vital.
“Make sure to keep tree branches near your home trimmed away from the house,” Slaughter said. “Secure loose objects around your home, such as patio furniture. Regular inspections of your roof and gutters are recommended to make sure there is proper water drainage. Make sure your doors and windows are closed and sealed properly, and make sure to review your homeowner coverage with your insurance agent. Most importantly, stay informed and keep emergency kits on hand and make sure you have a plan with your family in the event of severe weather.”
Once a storm passes through the area, it can be tricky to figure out if the roof of your home or any other areas have sustained any damage. It is a good idea to check all areas of your home, including doors, windows, siding as well as looking for signs of roof damage—shingles in your yard or displaced or folded back shingles when looking at your roof from afar. Of course, water damage on the ceilings in your home is a sign of roof damage as well.
If you fear you might have roof damage and need an inspection, which should always be free of charge, a professional is just a phone call away.
“Let a professional get on your roof,” Slaughter said. “We don’t want a homeowner getting hurt looking for damage themselves. We have the equipment and experienced personnel to assess damage to your home in whole.”
If you do have damage, it is ideal to talk to your insurance agent to find out if and what your coverage is for the situation while getting a roofing and construction professional on site as well as quickly as possible.
“After training with insurance professionals, we learned that it’s a homeowner’s responsibility to assess damage and prevent further damage as best they can,” Slaughter added. “So, it is best to get us up there as fast as we can.”