Protect Your Home
Against Weather Disasters
By Chanel Turnquest
Prudential Peters Realty
The recent destruction caused by hurricanes
serves as a reminder of the
type of havoc Mother Nature can cause. Water,
wind, fire and earth movement can be
hazardous to your home, perhaps your most
cherished and largest investment. But, there are
actions you can take now to protect your property
and prevent major damage should one of these
elements strike. Depending on the age of your
home and the building codes in your area, some
of these improvements may already be in place.
W ATER
Apart from major flooding, most damage occurs
when water seeps in through cracks and leaks.
Make sure that windows and doors are well
sealed. Seal any cracks and holes in the
foundation and exterior walls. Repair or replace
roof shingles around any area that allows water to
penetrate the roof sheathing. Check for holes or air
leaks in the attic and basement. Your basement
windows and doors should have built-up barriers
or flood shields. Inspect your sump pump
regularly to make sure that it is working properly.
Install or make sure that the flashing, a thin metal
strip, around the doors, windows, thresholds,
chimney and roof are in tact.
WIND
Minimize the damage by keeping the wind from
getting inside your home. Windows and glass
doors should be fitted with impact-resistant
laminated glass or covered with impact-resistant
shutters. Consider solid wood or hollow metal
doors, which aremore likely to resist wind pressure
and flying debris. There are also roofing products
with high wind resistance available.
Of course, there may be times, when no amount
of prepping can protect your home. However,
homeowners insurance can help protect you
financially in case something happens to your
property or its contents. Most standard
homeowners insurance policies include structural
coverage and personal property coverage.
Depending on your location, you may also
need additional coverage against earthquake,
hurricane and fire.
Be aware that flood damage is not covered
under the traditional homeowners insurance
policy. Flood insurance needs to be purchased
separately through the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP), a federal program. It is
available to nearly 20,000 communities across
the U.S. and its territories that participate in the
NFIP. Flooding can be caused by heavy rains,
melting snow, inadequate drainage systems,
failed protective devices such as levees and
dams, as well as by tropical storms and
hurricanes. So, although you may be in a low
to moderate risk area, you may still want to
consider this coverage.
Periodically review your homeowner's insurance
policy to make sure that you are adequately
covered to rebuild your home and replace
your contents.
If there is ever damage to your personal property,
having a home inventory can make it easier when
filing an insurance claim. Start with a sheet a paper
for each room in the house. Go around the room and
list every item. Don't forget the attic, basement or
other storage places. For each item, write the original
cost, purchase date, replacement cost, model
number, brand name, where purchased, and a
general description. In addition, take photos or video
of each room for visual documentation. It is also a
good idea to arrange valuable collections, silver,
jewelry, etc. and take close up photos. Make sure
you update your home inventory photos and list at
least once a year.
When weather-related disasters strike, what's most
important is your safety and that of your family.
However, by taking precautions to protect your
home, you can possibly help keep damage to a
minimum; or in the case of severe damage, make
sure that you have the financial means to rebuild.
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO
WWW.IBHS.ORG OR WWW.FEMA.GOV.
CHANEL TURNQUEST can be reached at
845- 794-1766 x19. Prudential Peters Realty
is an independently owned and operated member
of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential
Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Comments(5)