Storm season is in full-swing and it’s crucial to take proactive measures for your home's exterior and to safeguard the cherished belongings within. Whether it’s a hurricane, tropical storm, flood or tornado, let’s explore specific steps you can take now to fortify your primary residence or vacation home inside and out, and what to do if a loss unfortunately occurs.
PROTECT THE EXTERIOR
Upgrade windows and doors. Invest in impact-resistant windows and doors and think about installing storm shutters. These measures provide a critical barrier against wind-driven debris, reducing the risk of shattered windows and structural damage.
Retrofit garage doors. Install upgraded garage doors or brace existing ones with a hurricane-resistant toolkit. These are somewhat new to the market and can help reduce wind and water entry.
Reinforce your roof. Inspect and repair loose shingles, damaged flashing, or weakened areas. Consider installing hurricane straps to secure your roof's structure, as this can help prevent costly wind-related damage.
Elevate outdoor HVAC units. If you have outdoor HVAC units, consider elevating them to prevent water damage. Ensure they are securely anchored to withstand strong winds.
Trim trees and secure outdoor items. Remove dead branches and unhealthy landscaping that could potentially damage your home during high winds. Secure or relocate outdoor furniture, grills, and other loose objects to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
PROTECT BELONGINGS
Consider flood insurance. Standard homeowner's insurance typically does not cover flood-related damage. If flood insurance is available in your area – and it’s getting harder to find – you may want to consider adding it to your existing policies.
Use water sensors. Place water sensors in vulnerable areas of your home, such as the basement or near water heaters. These devices can alert you of leaks or rising water levels, giving you a chance to take action before significant damage occurs.
Install water shutoff valves. Shutoff valves allow you to turn off water immediately prior to a hurricane, reducing the risk of water damage to your interior belongings.
Elevate belongings. Move valuable and irreplaceable items to an interior room and raise them off the floor to prevent water damage. This includes electronics, important documents, and sentimental items. Use waterproof storage containers to keep these items elevated and dry.
Relocate vehicles and fine art. Many communities offer offsite secure vaults designed to withstand a tropical storm. You may wish to relocate fine art, heirlooms, and other collectibles prior to hurricane season. Move luxury vehicles to the vault immediately before the storm.
No matter how tempted you are, don’t venture outside until the coast is clear, as water conducts electricity from downed power lines and broken glass is often hard to see until it’s too late. The personal safety of you, your loved ones, and your pets always comes first.
We understand the emotional toll that comes with property damage, especially if the loss occurs with sentimental items or high-end custom features. It’s personal, it’s frustrating, and it can be incredibly inconvenient. But with Lockton’s concierge client service, we’ll handle your claim on your behalf from start to finish.
Our goal is to minimize disruption to your life and lifestyle. Our newly released Weather Event Checklist (opens a new window) will walk you through what you can do before and after a storm to streamline your claim and speed reimbursement.
At Lockton, we’re here for you. Talk to your Private Risk Solutions client service team about implementing these ideas – some of which could qualify you for premium credits - or to submit a claim.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult with a Lockton representative for information regarding specific insurance products and services.