It’s important to make sure that your home is properly protected. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent wind damage to your home.
It’s important to make sure that your home is properly protected and that you have taken preventative measures to avoid potential damage during a storm. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent wind damage to your home.
Maintain your home and fix things like loose fence boards or peeling roof shingles to prevent further, more costly damage in the event of a windstorm. The cost of repairs is sure to be less expensive than fixing damage after the storm.
If you have too little time before a storm, check if anything needs repairing and try to do a few temporary fixes to prevent damaged parts breaking off and flying around.
Loose items like patio furniture, BBQs, garbage/recycling/compost bins and sports equipment can become dangerous missiles in a wind gust.
Before a storm, walk around your property—bring items inside or tie them down so they won’t blow around. Park your car away from trees, streetlamps and power lines. If possible, park in a garage. And don’t forget to bring your pets indoors.
High winds and loose branches are a bad combination. Keep trees and shrubs in good condition and cut down dead trees before they do any damage (check your municipal bylaws beforehand). If you are not comfortable cutting branches yourself, hire a professional.
Before a storm, trim any damaged branches. But be careful—if the branches are touching any hydro cables, you could get an electric shock.
Homes have four weak spots: the roof, windows, doors, and garage. If they’re in poor condition, they can get seriously damaged in a windstorm. Roofs are particularly vulnerable in high winds. Check your home’s weak spots regularly and get any repairs done promptly.
Before a storm, make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked securely.
Choose a safe place in your home or office. Make sure there’s an emergency kit with a flashlight (and extra batteries), a first aid kit, blankets, food supplies and water.
If you’re at home, take refuge in the basement or go to a small interior room in the centre of the house. Don’t stand near doors or windows.
If you’re outside in an open area with no shelter nearby, take cover in a ditch or hollow. Lay face down on the ground and protect your head with your hands.
If you’re in your car, open the windows slightly and park off the road away from tall objects and power lines with your parking break set.
Take some time to inspect your house and property for debris and damage. If your building smells of gas, stay outside. You should also keep away from downed power lines and contact your local power company to come and have a look.
Let your insurance provider know if wind has damaged your home so they can walk you through the claims process, and don’t forget to make an inventory of your damaged property.
Whether you’re at home or at work, by following these simple steps, you can help reduce or avoid high winds damage to your house.
Need to update your home insurance policy? Now is the perfect time with OMA Insurance.
These tips are provided for information and prevention purposes only. They are general in nature, and The Personal cannot be held liable for them. We recommend using caution and consulting an expert for comprehensive, tailored advice.