Windstorms Are Serious....You Should Plan Ahead To Stay Protected

When high winds threaten, protect occupants and property before, during and after the blow
High winds can damage property and threaten lives, but there are steps you can take to
improve chances your family and home will weather the storm. These include
preparations, actions during the event and post-storm measures.

If you know in advance a windstorm is coming, you should move lawn furniture, grills,
bicycles and other objects that can become projectiles into a shed or garage if possible. If
that’s not an option, you should strap such items to a tree or other immovable object.
Depending on what kind of weather is predicted, you might also want to board up windows
to prevent flying debris from crashing into your home. It is also wise to keep some
underground or deeply interior room or space clear enough that your family and pets can
take cover if needed.

If a windstorm is upon you and there is no time to prepare, heed local warnings and get to
an underground or interior space away from windows. Not only can breaking glass hurt
you, but projectiles from outside can come flying in and hit you or drive other objects into
you, including tree limbs and items from others’ yards.

After a high-wind event, you may need to file a homeowners insurance claim for damages.
Typically, roofs, siding and windows take the greatest pounding, but fences, sheds, decks
and other outdoor structures can also be damaged. If any window is broken or roof is torn
or punctured, you should cover it as soon as the weather allows to prevent rain intrusion
and associated water damage to the interior of your house or other building on your
property. Covering the hole will also minimize the invasion of vermin, birds and flying
insects. Often, post-storm damage resulting from a homeowner’s failure to take reasonable
protective measures is not covered under a home insurance policy.

Remember to practice good yard maintenance when there is good weather to minimize the
danger from falling trees or leaf fires when high winds stir. The fewer hazards you
routinely have sitting on your property, the fewer you will have to deal with when bad
weather arrives. Preparing with solid homeowners insurance that has coverage for
windstorms is also key. Not all policies cover all types of wind damage, so talk to your
Trusted Choice ®  Independent Insurance Agent to make sure wind isn’t excluded as a peril

and that the full coverage for wind damage that you want to have is included or added to
your policy.