Summer has barely begun, and we’re already experiencing the hot, humid days that go along Michigan summers. These days often bring intense rain and thunderstorms with them. And even if they don’t happen often in your area, it only takes one big one to sweep through do some damage to your home and property. Before storm season gets into full swing, take some steps to get your home ready.
1. Check out the health of your trees. One of the biggest causes of storm damage is falling limbs. Take a look at the tops of your trees. Are they well-covered in leaves, or do some branches look bare? Then look at the roots. Is the land uneven, causing some roots to come out of the ground? These could be signs of unhealthy trees that may be more likely to fall in a storm. If you’re unsure, it may be worth calling an arborist to evaluate the health of your trees.
2. Clean the gutters. Gutters filled up with leaves, twigs and pine cones will not drain well, causing water to end up where you don’t want it, along your foundation and in your basement. Water can also back up onto your roof causing damage to sub-roofing material.
3. Check your sump pump. If your house tends to get water in the basement, make sure your sump pump is working well, and that you have some sort of back-up power source in case of an outage.
4. Have an emergency storm kit prepared. Flashlights, batteries, water, food, first aid supplies and extra medicine are essentials to have on hand.
Storms are unpredictable, and while you can do your best to be prepared, there may be times when your home sustains damage from lightning, rain, or high winds. If you ever experience a claim or have questions about your policy, call one of our licensed agents at 616-897-1515 to make sure you’re protected!
Don’t miss out on more articles like this! Join our newsletter today.
