Storm Safety: Know What to Do Before, During, and After the Storm

A storm can change everything in minutes. Are you prepared before it hits?

Severe storms can bring high winds, heavy rain, lightning, hail, flooding, and fallen trees—sometimes with little warning. While you can’t control the weather, you can control how prepared you are.

For you and your family, storm safety isn’t just about protecting your home. It’s about knowing what to do when the unexpected happens and having the right protection in place.

Before the Storm: Prepare Now

The best time to prepare for a storm is before you see the dark clouds.

Start by:

• Checking weather alerts and emergency notifications.
• Securing outdoor furniture, grills, decorations, and other loose items.
• Trimming branches that could fall onto your home, vehicles, or power lines.
• Checking your roof, gutters, windows, and doors for potential weaknesses.
• Making sure flashlights, batteries, medications, and emergency supplies are easily accessible.
• Reviewing your homeowners or renters insurance coverage.

A few minutes of preparation today could help prevent costly damage tomorrow.

During the Storm: Put Safety First

When severe weather arrives, your priority should always be your safety—not your property.

Stay indoors and away from windows. If officials issue evacuation orders, follow them immediately.

During a thunderstorm, avoid using electrical appliances and stay away from plumbing. If you’re driving, slow down and never attempt to drive through flooded roads. Even water that looks shallow can be dangerous.

Remember: You can replace property. You can’t replace a life.

After the Storm: Don’t Rush Into Cleanup

Once the storm passes, it can be tempting to immediately start cleaning up. But take a moment to assess the situation safely.

Watch for:

• Downed power lines
• Structural damage
• Flooded areas
• Broken glass
• Gas leaks
• Unstable trees or debris

If your home has been damaged, take photos and videos of the damage before making major repairs, when it is safe to do so. Keep receipts for temporary repairs or other necessary expenses and contact your insurance agent as soon as possible.

Is Your Insurance Ready for the Next Storm?

Storm damage can be complicated. Wind, hail, flooding, fallen trees, and other types of damage may be handled differently depending on your policy and circumstances.

Don’t wait until after the storm to discover a gap in your coverage.

Take a few minutes today to review your insurance and make sure your protection matches the risks you face.

Be Ready Before the Storm Hits

You can’t stop a storm from coming—but you can make sure you’re prepared when it does.

Need help reviewing your coverage? Klinger Insurance Group is here to help.

Call Klinger Insurance Group at 301-428-4935 to discuss your insurance protection today.