Along with spring’s balmy breezes come not-so-welcome outbreaks of violent weather. Spurred by fluctuating temperatures, tornadoes and thunderstorms can erupt with little warning. Help protect your home from destructive winds, lightning, hail and rainfall with these preemptive measures.
Halt potential hazards. Remove dead or rotting trees and limbs that could fall on or be blown into your home by high winds. Trim overhanging branches so they don’t damage your shingles or roof.
Thwart moisture. Don’t let water get in your home. Clear debris from gutters and downspouts, and make sure all guttering is properly aligned and connected. Direct water away from foundations by placing splash blocks or extensions at the end of your downspouts. Use adjustable, retractable, or flexible downspout extenders in tight spaces. Replace damaged caulk around windows and doors to further block moisture from entering.
Protect against outages. Wind and lightning frequently trigger power outages and surges that can destroy electronic equipment. Install lightning rods and surge protection systems to protect your home and property. Unplug all unnecessary electronic appliances when a severe storm is forecast.
Buffer high winds. Block wind damage by caulking cracks or holes where cables, pipes and wires enter your home. When high winds are forecast, move inside any garbage cans, patio furniture, grills and other items that could become airborne. If you’re in a hurricane-prone area, install windows rated for high wind speeds, storm shutters, and hurricane straps that keep roofs attached to the walls.
Weatherproof roofs. Well-maintained roofs stand up to wind and block out rain, so it’s important to have your roof inspected each spring. Look for damage in roof valleys. Check attic ceilings for leaks around flues, plumbing vents and chimneys where damage to flashing on the roof may be allowing water to enter. Replace missing, curling or cracked shingles. If you’re due for a roof replacement and live in a region where hail is common, consider installing impact-resistant roofing materials—which may even save you money on insurance premiums.
Learn more about storm preparedness at statefarm.com®