Weather the Storm: How to Protect Your Home This Spring

Spring is a time of renewal—longer days, blooming flowers, and, unfortunately, unpredictable weather. From heavy rains to high winds, springtime can bring its fair share of challenges for homeowners. Now is the perfect time to review your home insurance policy and take steps to protect your property from seasonal risks.

1. Review Your Home Insurance Policy

Before storm season kicks into high gear, take a moment to review your homeowner’s insurance. Does your policy cover wind, hail, or flooding? Standard home insurance often excludes flood damage, meaning you may need a separate flood policy if you live in a high-risk area. If you’re unsure, contact your insurance agent to clarify your coverage and make any necessary updates.

2. Inspect Your Roof & Gutters

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Inspect it for missing shingles, cracks, or weak spots that could be vulnerable in a storm. Gutters should be clear of debris to allow proper drainage—clogged gutters can lead to water damage and costly repairs.

3. Secure Outdoor Items & Trim Trees

Spring storms often bring high winds, which can turn outdoor furniture, grills, or loose tree branches into projectiles. Secure patio furniture, trim overhanging branches, and remove dead limbs that could fall and cause damage.

4. Check for Proper Drainage

Heavy spring rains can lead to basement flooding or foundation damage. Ensure that your property is graded correctly so that water drains away from your home and consider installing a sump pump if you’re in a flood-prone area.

5. Document Your Belongings

A home inventory can be invaluable in case of a storm-related insurance claim. Take photos or videos of your home’s interior and important belongings. Be sure to open cabinets, closets and any storage space while you are recording. Store these records in a secure cloud service or external drive for easy access.

6. Have an Emergency Plan

Make sure your family knows what to do in case of severe weather. Identify a safe shelter location, such as a basement or interior room, and keep an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and important documents.

7. File Claims Promptly

If your home sustains damage from a storm, don’t delay in reporting it to your insurance provider. Document the damage with photos and keep receipts for any emergency repairs you make. Quick action can help speed up the claims process.

Did you know you can file a claim directly from your desktop or mobile phone? With CSR24, our digital, self-service portal, you can access documents, report a claim, or issue proof of coverage from anywhere. Learn more here.

Spring should be a time of renewal, not stress. By taking proactive steps and ensuring you have the right home insurance coverage, you can enjoy the season with peace of mind. If you have any questions about your policy or need to update your coverage, our team is here to help!