Securing Your Home for a Storm

Living in South Carolina has many, many perks. Beautiful coastal towns, state parks, the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s perfect. But even in the most perfect of all spots, you need to be prepared in case of a bad storm. A little bit of prep now can make your home safe and secure so you won’t need to worry about it when a big storm is blowing around outside.

First things first: Does your home have enough insurance coverage in case that big storm does some damage? Check your current policy and talk with your agent about flood and hurricane insurance. You might benefit from having either one added to your homeowners coverage.

Check to see how secure your roof is. Did you know you can install extra roof strapping to help keep the roof on during strong winds? The straps are really just pieces of metal that attach to both the roof and the framing. It’s such a simple thing that can save you the heartache of replacing a roof.

Make sure your outside belongings are safe, too. If you have a shed, keeping it on a cement slab and attaching it with cement screws is a good idea. The chance of it blowing away is much greater if it’s not attached. Check your windows and see if they are reinforced glass. If not, consider having them replaced. Or at the very least, have boards fitted and stored conveniently in case you need to board up your windows.

Once you’ve made all these safety adjustments, call you insurance agent again. Besides making your home safer, you might be entitled to a discount on your insurance policy. Taking precautions can really benefit you and your loved ones. Keep them safe by preparing for big storms well in advance and being ready for anything Mother Nature throws at you.

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