Storms and harsh weather conditions are typical in some regions but not everywhere. As a homeowner residing in a risky zone, reinforcing your home against destruction is a must.

To minimise damage and meet your insurance company's expectations, installing storm protection features in your home helps.

Below are 4 Crucial Steps to Prepare Your Home for Storm Season.

How To Prepare Your Home For Storm Season

Take the below four steps to keep your family and home safe when a storm hits.

1. Put together emergency supplies.

You may not know the extent of damage a storm may cause, so prepare a basic supply list of items you may need. These include flashlights, extra batteries, a first aid kit, sanitation items, valuable documents, extra clothing, and an emergency radio for communication.

Additionally, put together emergency food supplies and water in case you cannot leave the house. Having at least three days of food and water for each family member is standard. Canned food items and non-perishable snacks are ideal and should be easily accessible.

2. Make a weather plan.

Have an emergency plan that you and your family members are aware of. It should direct everyone on what must be done in case of a bad storm. Some of the common items on a weather plan are:

• The rooms to take shelter in during a storm.
• Emergency contacts such as the local fire station in case it is required.
• How to leave home. If you must evacuate, the family car should be in good working condition.
• Family meeting point in case a storm hits when everyone is out of the house.

3. Prepare your home.

You can protect your house from destruction during a storm in various ways. First, install extra protection features such as steel roller shutters to keep your windows and doors intact. Then store away any outdoor items such as furniture and anything that the wind can blow away or towards the house.

If you have large trees near the house, trim the branches and avoid parking your vehicle beneath them. Since power tends to cut off during stormy weather, check that everything works well if you have a generator or solar system. Alternatively, have plenty of batteries for your flashlights and ensure all mobile phones are fully charged.

4. Contact your insurance company.

A home insurance policy is necessary, especially in areas prone to storms and harsh weather. Before the stormy weather season starts, contact your insurance company to confirm your policy is current.

Additionally, check with them on the extent of damage they cover and pay for any extras that may not be in the initial agreement.

Additional stormy weather safety tips

• If there is a flooding risk in your home, update your insurance, as water can damage your belongings.

• Clean your drains and gutters to ensure water flows and does not accumulate in unwanted areas leading to damage.

• It can get quite cold during a storm, so consider insulating your home to keep your family warm.

• If the emergency services in your local area ask you to evacuate your home, do not hesitate. Lock down your home instead, carry your emergency supplies, and take your family to safety.

• If you have an emergency radio, keep it on to receive important weather updates.

• Watch out for broken power lines and poles. These must be avoided; any electrical fault can cause a fire or electrocution.

Conclusion
Although you cannot avoid stormy weather, ensuring you protect your home and are well-prepared for an emergency is important. You and your family will worry less, and dealing with your insurance company in case of damages is straightforward. Above all, install steel roller shutters to secure your home's weakest points, the windows, and doors, from storm damage.