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For the most part, summer is a time to get outdoors and relax under the sun. But if you live in New York, it’s still important to plan for grey skies. Specifically, homeowners should prepare their properties for heavy rains, thunderstorms, and hurricane-related events. From strengthening the exterior to bolstering your homeowners insurance policy, here are five steps you should take to defend your house from severe summer weather.

A Guide to Protecting Your Home From Summer Storms

1. Trim Trees

Closely evaluate the health of all trees in your yard, especially those that are close to your home. Trim any branches that appear weak or broken, as high winds could cause them to snap off and crash into your home. If you spot any trees that are diseased or leaning excessively, professional removal services may be necessary to prevent the tree from falling onto your property or a power line.

2. Clear the Gutters

homeowners insuranceDuring heavy rains, your home’s gutters will play a vital role in diverting water away from the property. If the gutters are clogged, loose, or leaking, excess rain may spill over and contribute to severe water damage. To prevent problems, clear any debris from the gutters.

3. Fix Roof & Siding Problems

If you haven’t done so recently, hire a professional contractor to inspect your home’s roofing and siding. Have all problems—such as missing shingles, detached flashing, or loose siding panels—fixed promptly. Otherwise, these problem areas may only get worse in severe weather and expose your home to water damage risks.

4. Seal Cracks

Check the foundation for cracks that may allow water to seep in and put your home’s structure at risk. In addition to properly sealing these cracks, make sure your basement has a functional sump pump to remove any water that ends up in the space.

5. Update Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Take inventory of your property and belongings to make sure they are all listed—and covered—in your homeowners insurance policy. Also, review your policy to make sure you’re protected against all potential risks. For example, some storm-related water damage may be covered under a standard policy. However, you will need a separate flood insurance policy to file a claim for flood-related water damage.

 

When you want your property to be protected, turn to the experts at Chanler Agency. Serving the Geneseo and Livonia, NY, communities for more than 45 years, this family-owned insurance agency knows how to design policies that address everything from summer storms to winter blizzards. With a personalized approach, these Livingston County-based agents will develop a custom homeowners insurance policy that fits your specific needs and budget. Visit this agency online to learn more about their coverage options. For quotes, call (585) 243-5520 to reach the Geneseo office or (585) 346-3118 to speak with the Livonia location.

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