Wet, windy, and unpredictable weather can cause different types of damage. Storms can damage your roof, loft, gutters, aerials and more. There are ways you can prepare and maintain your home though in order to survive a potential storm.
Before the Storm
- Inspect your roof for any loose or missing tiles. You may need to arrange a professional inspection to ensure your roof is safe.
- Clear out your gutters. It is very easy to get your gutters full of ice and then risk damaging brickwork or plaster-work of your house.
- Check your loft. Make sure there is no damage and that your insulation on the roof space is still good for use.
- Prepare a home emergency kit that includes a first aid kit and emergency contact details for any case. Ensure the kit is easily accessible and everyone in the house knows its location.
- Protect your house or car from loose trees around your area. Check with your Local Authority whether branches from trees around your property could cause any damage in the event of a heavy storm and whether they should be removed.
- Review your home and contents insurance policy. You can never be too careful, but emergencies happen and you should be prepared for that too.
- Clear out your garden area or balcony. Remove any loose items from these areas like garden furniture, children toys or garden tools. Also, secure any loose fences around your garden area.
- In case you need to make a claim, ensure the issue is not a result of poor maintenance but a result of the storm. Your insurer will take maintenance issues into consideration too when deciding on your payment.
Making a Claim
- Be Careful:
If your house has suffered any damage, make sure that you keep a distance from areas with fallen trees, branches or roof tiles and stay away from walls outside your house.
- Review your Insurance:
Call your insurer for any questions you may have and review your policy to understand what damages will be covered or not. Your insurer will also be able to offer you advice on any question you may have.
- Document all issues:
Take pictures of all the damages in your house and keep the receipts in case you need to make any emergency repairs.
- Act fast:
You need to act fast and make your claim as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the cost of the damage could possibly rise.
