As we move into the summer months in Ohio, it is time to prepare for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, wind damage, hail, and flooding. These events can impact your personal property, land, home, vehicles, and more. When you hear rumors of a severe storm on the way, take these steps to decrease the likelihood your home or family will be harmed.
1. Secure Outdoor Furniture and Property
Do you have furniture, potted plants, or other property outside that is susceptible to damage from high winds, hail, and rain? For larger items like patio furniture, protect them using a tarp or other covering and try tying them together to create a larger mass (more weight). Additionally, you can secure them to a fence post or railing to help anchor the furniture. Do this with rope or bungee cords. Where possible, it is best to store smaller items in a shed, garage, or other indoor location.
2. Protect Your Vehicles
Move any vehicles into a garage or shelter. If this isn’t possible, park your car away from trees to avoid branches falling on your vehicle. Bring the vehicle close to a building to help shield it from the wind and storm debris. If you live in areas prone to flooding, attempt to park your car on high ground.
3. Secure Indoor Furniture and Property
Are you expecting a tornado? You can potentially reduce damage by securing tall or top heavy furniture items like dressers and bookshelves. Make sure they are anchored and keep them away from doors and windows. While you’re at it, if there are heavy, fragile, sentimental, or high-value items on display cases or shelves, consider packing them away.
4. Gather Important Documents
Imagine dealing with the aftermath of a storm and also losing key documents needed to navigate life. Ensure you collect pertinent documents you store at home and keep them safely with you during the storm. This includes items such as: I.D. documents, deeds, titles, policies, educational certificates, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and financial documents.
5. Charge Your Electronic Devices
Make sure your phones are fully charged before a storm hits. Invest in a portable charger or power bank, so you can recharge important electronic devices in the case of an extended power outage.
6. Prepare to Run Your Generator
If you have a generator, make sure you have the fuel ready to go! Double check all aspects of the generator are working properly. For solar powered generators, ensure they are charged. In the case that there isn’t enough sun to charge the unit or you need a quick turn around, plug your solar generator in and charge via electricity.
7. Create a Disaster Kit
We hope you never face a disaster-level storm, but if one hits, you’ll thank yourself for having a disaster kit prepared. Some of the key items to include are:
- Water bottles and non-perishable food items – don’t forget about pet food if you have pets
- A first aid kit and pertinent medicines
- Battery powered electronic devices like flashlights and radios
- Sanitary/personal care items like toilet paper, soap, and sanitary wipes
- Cash
- Matches
- Blankets or sleeping bags
8. Identify Safe Spaces in Your Home
During a storm, make sure you and your family are located in the safest space in your home. If you have a basement or storm shelter, this is the ideal place to be. If those options aren’t available to you, the next best option is to find an interior room without windows on the lowest level of your home. If a heavy table or desk is available, you can take cover under that piece of furniture for extra protection if needed.
9. Shut Off Utilities
Storms can cause damage to water and gas lines or create power surges. Should this occur, it’s important to know how to shut off your utilities. Identify where your cutoff valves and switches are and be sure you know how to turn them off. Don’t forget to ensure you have the correct tools needed to do this, such as a wrench.
Homeowners Insurance with Ianniello Agency
We hope these tips help you prepare for upcoming seasonal storms. At Ianniello Agency, we are ready to guide you should any claims arise due to weather-related events. Find out more about our homeowners insurance offerings and auto insurance policies today. You can also request a quote, or contact us to start the process.
