How to avoid storm and lightning damage

NEWSCRED STORM

Although a storm usually means nothing more than a cosy night in, they shouldn’t be taken lightly. 53% of all home damage is weather related, while in 2016, more than $825 million was paid out on over 100,000 lightning-related claims. Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to protect your home from storm damage!

Structure

Lightning can cause structural damage and power surges that could destroy electrical equipment—or even start a fire. Installing surge protectors and lightning arrestors and unplugging electronics during a storm will offer some protection. But if you think you’re in a high-risk area, it’s worth getting an assessment from a lightning protection company who could install a system to direct the strike harmlessly into the ground.

To avoid water damage, check your roof regularly for holes or broken tiles and ensure your guttering isn’t blocked or damaged. If anything looks amiss, get it fixed as soon as possible!

Doors and windows

These are the weakest parts of your house, so be sure to secure them before every storm and have shutters you can close firmly. Don’t tape the windows, though. It doesn’t help and can even create bigger, more dangerous shards of glass should they break. If you really want to protect your windows, consider replacing them with stronger, impact-rated glass.

Garden

Your garden is full potential projectiles. First, check your trees—if any are liable to fall or shed any branches, get rid of them. If you’re unsure, call in a tree surgeon. Then, when the wind’s picking up, be sure to either bring your garden furniture inside or tie it down securely.

If you’re prone to flooding, a garden redesign might be in order. Contact a landscaper to see whether your garden could be reshaped to direct water away from your home.

Of course, nothing offers absolute protection. So, ensure you’ve got comprehensive home and contents insurance to fall back on. It could be the best investment you ever make.