September is National Disaster Preparedness Month, a timely reminder that natural disasters can strike when we least expect them. Since 2023, natural disasters have caused $144.5 billion worth of damage in the US, according to the NOAA. As a homeowner, safeguarding your property is a crucial step for protecting your family, investment, and peace of mind.
check your coverage
First thing’s first— the unfortunate reality is that we can’t protect against everything. Mother Nature is one tough cookie and homes aren’t indestructible. Therefore, homeowners insurance is a necessity. Take the time to familiarize yourself with your policy and understand what’s covered. If there are gaps in your coverage, check with your insurance provider to see if they offer endorsements for common causes of property damage, such as groundwater, sewer backups or collapses, etc.
be on alert
Sign up for alerts from the National Weather Service to receive text warnings for extreme weather. You should also make sure you have functioning detectors that are the best fit for your household. If you work outside of the home or travel often, consider smart home detectors to stay in the loop when you’re away. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are a must, and you can also get systems that alert you to water leaks, freezing temps, radon, and many other risks that could cause damage to your home or health. You can even get a smart water system that automatically shuts off your water when it detects a leak and monitors water temperature to prevent freezing pipes.
install a sump backup
Sump pumps are great for directing water away from your foundation, but they require electricity to pump groundwater from the crock. If your power goes out during heavy rain and you don’t have a backup, flooding is almost inevitable. If you have a home generator, make sure it provides power to the sump pump. Other options for ensuring the system works without electricity would be to install a battery-powered or water-powered backup. Water backups require a municipal water source, so this is not an option for homes on a well. With water-powered backups, the system is automatically triggered when water rises above the primary pump’s float. It uses your municipal connection to create a suction that pulls water out of the sump pit.
maintain storm drains
If there are storm drains on your property, it’s important to keep them free of debris and monitor for clogs. Storm drains channel rain water away from the home, which means you could end up with flooding if it’s not functioning properly. Inspect the grate regularly and remove leaves, sticks, snow, and ice that have settled on top. If you notice any drainage issues, contact a professional for cleaning.
trim trees regularly
Many homeowners love the mature trees on their property, but forgoing regular maintenance on trees that are close to homes or power lines can cause issues. Make sure to prune weak and overgrown branches to reduce the risk of breaking during storms. Regular pruning can also improve the tree’s health, making it stronger and more resistant to disease and weather-related stress. Healthier trees are less likely to be uprooted or suffer major damage during storms.
prepare your pipes for cold fronts
Exposed pipes, particularly those on exterior walls, are vulnerable to freezing temps. Insulating these pipes before a cold front can prevent them from bursting and save you from very costly repairs. There are a variety of products you can choose from, such as foam tubing or heat tape. Don’t forget to disconnect hoses and turn off valves to the outside spigots when temperatures start to drop.
locate your shut offs
You may need to shut off your home’s utilities during severe weather to prevent flooding, fire hazards, or gas leaks. If you don’t know where these are located, the worst possible time to find them is during an emergency. Make sure your household knows how to turn off all utility mains before an urgent event.
We’re fortunate to live in an area with less climate catastrophes than states that experience hurricanes or frequent wildfires, but that doesn’t mean we’re in the clear. Extreme weather events are becoming more prevalent no matter where you live. Take the steps to safeguard your property now so you can feel confident when severe storms strike.