Be Weather Ready: Home Resilience

Home Resilience and Property Protection

Severe weather can damage homes and property, but preparation and maintenance can help reduce risks. Explore practical steps to strengthen your home, protect important systems, and better understand how insurance coverage may apply.

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Strengthen Your Home

Small improvements and regular maintenance can help protect your home from weather-related damage.

Protect Your Roof

Your roof is your home's first line of defense against rain, wind, snow, and ice.

What You Can Do

  • Inspect your roof after major storms and regularly throughout the year.
  • Maintain shingles, flashing, and other roofing materials.
  • Consider impact-resistant roofing materials when repairs or replacement are needed.

Insurance Tip: A well-maintained roof can help prevent avoidable damage. Review your policy to understand how roof damage, repairs, and replacement costs may be covered.

 

Reduce Water Damage Risks

Water damage can result from heavy rain, snow, ice, and plumbing failures.

What You Can Do

  • Clean gutters and downspouts regularly.
  • Make sure water drains away from your foundation.
  • Consider sump pumps, leak detection devices, or automatic shut-off valves.

Insurance Tip: Homeowners insurance may cover certain types of water damage, but coverage depends on the cause of the damage. Flood damage generally requires separate flood insurance.

 

Protect Against Wind Damage

High winds can damage roofs, siding, trees, and outdoor structures.

What You Can Do

  • Trim trees and remove damaged branches.
  • Secure outdoor furniture and equipment before storms.
  • Reinforce garage doors where appropriate.
  • Secure sheds, fences, and other outdoor structures.

Insurance Tip: Wind damage is often covered under homeowners insurance, but deductibles, exclusions, and coverage limits may apply.

 

Protect Important Home Systems

Keeping important systems maintained can reduce damage and help your family recover after a storm.

What You Can Do

  • Know where utility shutoffs are located.
  • Maintain heating and cooling systems.
  • Consider backup power options.
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.

Insurance Tip: Some losses caused by equipment failure or power interruptions may depend on your specific policy. Review your coverage before an emergency occurs.

 

Before You Buy or Renovate

Home purchases and renovations are opportunities to improve resilience and reduce future risks.

Before Buying a Home:

  • Ask about the home's history of weather-related damage.
  • Review the age and condition of major systems, including the roof, plumbing, and electrical systems.
  • Consider whether the property has features that may help reduce risk.

Before Starting a Renovation:

  • Ask contractors about weather-resistant materials and resilience upgrades.
  • Consider improvements that strengthen your home's ability to withstand severe weather.
  • Contact your insurance company to understand how upgrades may affect your coverage.

Insurance Tip: Major renovations or improvements can change the value of your home. Make sure your insurance coverage reflects those changes.

 

Maintain Your Property Year-Round

Regular maintenance can help prevent damage before severe weather occurs.

Seasonal Checklist

  • Remove dead or hazardous trees
  • Inspect chimneys and masonry
  • Keep drainage paths clear
  • Maintain decks, porches, and railings
  • Store outdoor equipment before storms
 

Protect Your Home Inventory

Documenting your belongings before a loss can make the claims process easier.

What You Can Do

  • Take photos or videos of your belongings.
  • Keep receipts for valuable items.
  • Store records in a safe location.

CID Home Inventory Checklist

 

Additional Resources

Explore more ways to prepare and protect your home: