With great sadness, we have seen reports of hurricanes and flooding causing over $385 billion in damage on the East Coast and wildfires wreaking over $250 billion worth of havoc in California. Everywhere you live, you have exposure to natural disasters. On the Coast, we must protect our homes from various weather hazards like hurricanes, high winds, excessive rain and extreme temperatures, as well as fire.
You can’t always avoid the worst — but you can prepare your home. Here’s how:
ROOF/WINDOWS/DOORS
• Check for damaged shingles, leaks or wear.
• Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear to prevent water buildup.
• Seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent water intrusion. Add window protection like shutters or impact glass for durability during high winds.
TREES AND SHRUBS
• Regularly trim trees and shrubs near your home to prevent branches from falling or damaging your home during storms. Remove any dead or diseased trees.
OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT AND DRAINAGE
• Elevate heating systems, electrical panels and other utilities above potential flood levels. • Store or secure outdoor furniture, decorations and equipment to prevent them from becoming projectiles during storms.
• Divert water away from your home’s foundation by grading the landscape and installing drainage systems if needed.
BACKUP GENERATOR
• Consider a whole-house generator to keep essential appliances running during a power outage.
FIRE PROTECTION
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
• Keep fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations, such as the kitchen, garage and fireplaces. Ensure everyone in your home knows how to use them.
• Do not overload electrical outlets or use damaged cords. Use power strips with surge protectors.
• Keep outdoor fire pits and grills away from flammable structures and never leave them unattended while in use.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
• Review your insurance coverage to ensure your policy limits are enough to repair/rebuild your home should the worst happen.
• Check with a local contractor on the realistic reconstruction cost and be sure your Coverage A limit is at least that amount.
• Consult with a knowledgeable insurance agent to understand your options for the best available protection. Carefully review your policy’s terms and conditions.
