Protect your Home Against Weather Disasters

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.