Summer Storms � How to Protect Your Home During Storm Season

What kind of damage can storms do to your home?
During the summer months, our minds are preoccupied with vacationing, grilling burgers with the family, and focusing on getting that bronze tan at the poolside. Yet, most of us leave our most valued possessions unprepared for the alarming and unpredictable summer storms: our homes.
Each year, thunderstorms alone cause an astonishing $15 billion in property damage. Summer and spring seasons are the most vulnerable to these destructive and frightening storms. Is your home prepared to handle those summer storms that can occur at any time of day or night, at the drop of a hat? These storm safety tips will assist you in home safety and give you peace of mind during the summer months.
Hailstorms result in approximately $1 billion of property damage a year. Thunderstorm winds can reach over 100 mph with an outcome of severe roof and house siding damage. Flooding causes billions of dollars a year in damage to homes and sadly some result in total loss of residences.
These statistics prove it is crucial to be prepared during the storm season to ensure summer safety for your home. To get your home primed for the dangerous summer months, follow these storm safety tips:
Prepping your property for the summer
- Have an emergency kit with these items you probably already have in your home: flashlight(s), battery powered weather radio, extra batteries to fit each electronic (including cell phone), non-perishable foods (canned goods and dry foods), lots of bottled water, can opener, first aid kit (with a disinfectant), fire extinguisher, blankets, extra clothes, sturdy shoes or boots, clock or watch, whistle to signal for help, important personal items (eyeglasses, prescriptions, etc.), and paper documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, and other significant legal papers.
- Know the safest structure of your home to go to during a severe storm such as a basement, underground cellar, or even the most inner part of your home away from windows.
- Get routine maintenance on your roof and the foundation! Cracks in the roof are the number one leading cause to flooding damage.
- Cut down any unwanted trees or limbs and get your trees trimmed before summer storm season. Trees and branches can fall on your property and damage the siding or windows due to those powerful 100 mph thunderstorm winds.
- Contact your insurance company to be more familiar with your policy. Most home insurers do not cover flooding damage.
- Keep all expensive and favored possessions off the floor and away from low ground in case of flooding. Keep them in the highest part of the home preferably.
- Invest in storm windows.
- Keep all patio furniture, grills, etc. in doors before a summer storm hits. Do not forget to park your vehicles in the garage!
- If your town is evacuating due to a hurricane, secure and board up windows and any openings of your home.
- Finally, take those summer storm warnings and alerts seriously, especially tornado and hurricane warnings! Tornadoes and hurricanes can lead to total property loss and even death.
Utlizing P1 system for additional safety precautions
An important thing to remember is that dangerous summer storms can take place while you are away from your home. Have you ever been at work during a crazed thunderstorm and all you can think about is going home?
Protection 1 strives on maintaining the safety of you, your family, and your home. Whether you are at home eating dinner with your family or you are cruising the Bahamas on summer vacation; Protection 1 is consistently monitoring your home. The National Weather Service communicates with Protection 1 on a regular basis so if your city issues a severe storm warning, your home gets alerted immediately through your security system�s keypad. Also the National Weather Service will alert you through your Protection 1 security system if the storm is the most dangerous and destructive in your neighborhood.
During the summer season, storm safety is crucial to you and your home. With all the summer fun and chaos going on in the household, it is easy to put summer safety at the bottom of your list. Think of Protection 1 as a friendly neighbor, one who is always watching out for you and yours. In rain or shine, they will be the second eyes and ears consistently looking out for your well-being.