Disaster Preparation

Disaster Preparation

Tips to prepare

Tips to prepare your home for spring storms

1. Check your Roof
   A quick self inspection could reveal weak areas that could use attention to secure before a storm occurs. Loose siding or roofing materials such as shingles that could blow off and take materials with them, missing shingles that need replacement, cracks in sealant around flashing, roof mounted hardware and vents. Securing these materials before a storm can help prevent damage.
2. Tree Trimming
   Dead branches or large overhanging tree branches are able to cause damage when they fall upon your house or vehicles. Trimming before the storm can avoid damage.
3. Cleaning Gutters
   If gutters are plugged from winter debris, water will find somewhere else to go such as the basement, between siding and exterior windows, etc. Clearing gutters before rain or storms occur will eliminate water in unwanted places. Repairing holes in guttering and securing any loose guttering will also prevent unnecessary damage.
4. Test the Sump Pump
   Testing the sump pump to confirm it is in proper working order before a storm occurs is beneficial.

Tips for after the storm

1. Protect your home from further damage as soon as possible. Temporary repairs are permitted. All receipts of temporary repair are able to be provided as part of the claim. Photos of all existing damage prior to repair are requested, if possible, based on conditions.
2. Contact your Agent as soon as possible to report the claim damage. Providing detailed description of the damage is very helpful to assess the severity. While we try to get to all of our Insureds as soon as possible, there may be some of your neighbors that have damage much more severe and need to be moved to the top of the list.
3. Once an adjuster has inspected the damage, arrived at a settlement amount for home repairs, and advised you of the next steps to take:
4. Get specific estimates from local, reputable contractors – showing detail of materials and labor costs and any additional costs.
5. It is a good idea to get more than one estimate from a local contractor – obtain references and check them.
6. Hire a trusted, local contractor to make repairs.
7. Require a certificate of insurance.