Preparing for Storm Damage: Essential Steps to Take Before the Storm Hits

Posted on October 15, 2024

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Frances Badayos | author

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ICHQ | Site Author

Each year, the United States sees several storms or natural disasters that cause at least $1 billion in property damage. To make sure your house withstands the elements, you should take critical steps to fortify your property before a hurricane or other storm lands. Preparing for a storm takes time and some upfront costs. But you can reap considerable benefits, including a lesser chance of needing to file a storm damage insurance claim. Please contact Insurance Claim HQ to speak with a New Orleans storm damage lawyer.

Fortify Your Windows

The windows are a weak entry point. Strong winds can pick up tree branches or chairs and throw them against the glass, smashing your window panes to pieces. Then you are suddenly dealing with wind and water intrusion. Even worse, your roof could fail when the pressure increases inside the house.

You can fortify your windows using different techniques:

  • Install storm windows, if you have time. Exterior and interior storm windows can protect glass. However, this isn’t a great option if you are trying to fortify your house a day or two before an expected storm hits.
  • Shutters are another great option. But again, it can take weeks to find the right shutters and install them properly. Choose this option if you are preparing months ahead of hurricane season.
  • Hammer plywood over your windows. This is the low-tech option when you need to protect your windows in a pinch. You still need to measure your windows and make sure the plywood panel extends four inches past the window on each side.

Ask neighbors for help if you don’t know how to board up a window. A poorly boarded window actually increases the risk to everyone around, since the wind could tear off the board and turn it into a projectile.

Secure Anything Outside Which Could Fly

Strong winds can pick up tables, chairs, picnic tables, planters, and bicycles and throw them around.

You should take some time tying down anything that might become an airborne projectile.

Alternatively, you can move items into your garage somewhere secure for storage.

Decide Whether to Evacuate

Sometimes, the government will issue a mandatory evacuation order, but in other situations, it’s up to you to decide whether to go or ride out the storm. You should identify the different evacuation centers nearby.

Anyone deciding to leave should prepare early. Hotels and motels will fill up quickly, especially those within a reasonable driving distance.

You don’t want to get out on the road only to realize you have nowhere to spend the night. Remember to choose a place to stay that is outside the storm’s expected path, otherwise, you are simply fleeing to trouble.

Also, prepare for traffic to be heavy as everyone tries to get out of New Orleans or head back in when the evacuation order ends.

Come Up with a Communication Plan

Ideally, your family will not split up during the storm. But it’s unavoidable, sometimes. Suppose you ride out the storm, but your elderly mother needs to go to the hospital. Someone must take her, leaving everyone back at home.

Staying in communication is vital for all family members, even after the storm passes. Cell phones make it easier for everyone to stay in touch, but make sure to charge them fully before the storm arrives. You could be without power for days.

Create an Inventory Of Your Home

An inventory will make it easier to submit a storm damage insurance claim. If a hurricane damages your home, you’ll need to prove how much you’ve lost. Many insurers will request an inventory of damaged items, including their pre-storm condition and value. You can create an inventory ahead of time. That will make submitting a storm damage claim much easier.

A thorough inventory could take weeks, however. If you are cobbling something together before a storm hits, then make sure you list the big ticket items in each room, such as refrigerator, stove, and so on. Include the serial number and the item’s age.

Assemble a Survival Kit

If you intend to ride out a storm, then you’ll need an emergency kit to help you survive. FEMA recommends that you include the following:

  • Water jugs. Get one gallon of water per person, for at least three days. If you have a family of 4, then you should get 12 gallons.
  • Nonperishable food, like canned beans, chili, or soup. Make sure you have a handheld can opener.
  • One flashlight for every member of the family, with batteries. Check the batteries before the storm hits.
  • First aid kit. You can buy a kit at the store or assemble your own with tweezers, Band-Aids of different sizes, gauze, adhesive tape, scissors, instant ice packs, antiseptic wipes, emergency blankets, safety pins, and pain medication.
  • Medicines, such as prescription drugs. You don’t want to be combing through wreckage to find your husband’s blood pressure medication. Put it with the other emergency kit items.
  • Extra batteries for the flashlights and any other electronics you have
  • Cell phones with chargers

You can store everything in one or more totes, although you will probably want your cell phone on you.

Clean Out the Gutters

This is an important step that many homeowners overlook. Debris and leaves will clog even the best gutters, which means water can build up on your roof if there’s nowhere to go. Take an afternoon to clean out all your gutters before the storm hits so that water can flow freely away from your house.

Rake Up Branches and Other Debris

It’s normal for tree branches to collect on the lawn through the summer and fall. Smaller storms can knock off branches, which you’ve just never gotten around to picking up. With a hurricane approaching, now is the time to rake your lawn.

Decide if You Want a Generator

A generator can help give you some electricity in the aftermath of a storm. Who knows how long it will take for power to get turned back on? Having a generator allows many people to get back into their homes faster. With a generator, you can have air conditioning, refrigeration, and cooking.

If you are preparing for next year’s hurricane season, then you can consider whether to buy a whole-house generator. If you are grabbing something for a storm about to land, then you might invest in a smaller portable option. A portable generator cannot supply enough electricity for the entire house, but it can get your refrigerator going, as well as cooling systems.

Shut Your Doors Before the Storm Hits

To keep the pressure from skyrocketing inside your house, you should shut all windows and doors before the storm hits, including your garage door and windows.

Do You Need Help with a Storm Damage Insurance Claim?

Surviving a hurricane is only half the battle. After the storm, you confront the difficult task of having to clean up storm damage and possibly submit an insurance claim. People buy homeowner’s insurance for precisely this reason—a storm has damaged your property and you need to pay for repairs. Unfortunately, many insurers are denying claims at a high rate, regardless of whether you have been a loyal customer.

Contact our experienced attorneys at Insurance Claim HQ today to discuss how to deal with storm damage and insurance claims.

We can help you appeal a low offer or even challenge a denial. We offer a free consultation to those who reach out.