In just about every part of the country, storms are simply a part of daily life. Here in Georgia, we seem to get everything. In the winter we get ice storms, in the spring we get tornadoes, in the summer we get torrential thunderstorms, and in the fall the occasional hurricane makes it this far north. Regardless of the weather condition, any of these storm systems can do significant damage to your home or business. While things are calm, here are six steps to make sure you and your family are safe.
Designate a safe place: The ideal safe spot is an interior room in your house with nothing on the walls. This can be a haven in a tornado or thunderstorm since it is the part of the house least likely to experience damage. It's important that you, your spouse, and your kids know which room to go to in case of an emergency.
First aid: This may sound like overkill, but it only takes about 5 minutes and $10: Place a first aid kit in your safe space room. The majority of families have no idea where a first aid kit is in their house. If you leave one in your safe space, regardless of what happens, you and your family will always know where it is.
Tree check: We spend so much time in our homes that we inevitably tune out some of the potential dangers around us. You barely notice the dead tree leaning towards your house because you walk by it every day. Walk around your house and ask yourself the question, “what is the likelihood that a strong storm may blow any of these trees onto my house?” Cutting down a tree is extremely cheap compared to dealing with the damage from one falling on your house.
Secure outdoor gear: If you’re like us, you love spending time on your back porch grilling burgers for the whole family. That’s great but an unsecured grill or outdoor furniture can easily bust through glass windows in a strong storm. Check your outdoor equipment and make sure everything is properly secured and able to avoid a heavy storm.
Gutters: Cleaning out your gutters is a massive headache but it is essential to protecting your property. During a heavy storm, clogged gutters can cause excessive rainwater to spill over from your roof and pool under your house. Call a professional and have them get on your roof periodically to make sure your gutters are clear.
Get an umbrella policy: Did you know if someone is physically hurt on your property that you could be held personally liable? This is why it is extremely important to get an umbrella policy that sits on top of your homeowner's insurance. If a claim arises due to injury at your home, this policy will protect you and your family’s financial future. The good news is these policies are extremely cheap and provide ultimate peace of mind.
While there’s not a magic bullet to protecting yourself and your property from every storm, these are six simple steps you can take to ensure the safety of you and your family. If you have further questions about how to properly protect yourself give us a call and our knowledgeable team can help you protect what matters most.