The wide and varying natural beauty of the United States is a result of diverse topography and climate, yet these are also catalysts for natural disasters and weather threats such as hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, tornadoes and extreme winter weather.
In 2017, America experienced the most devastating year on record with $306.2 billion in property loss from weather and climate-related disasters1. The damage from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria alone were responsible for approximately $265 billion of the $306.2 billion. That year, weather and climate-related disasters claimed the lives of 508 people2 and injured many more both physically and psychologically.
Studies show preparedness is the best way to mitigate the damage from natural disasters and severe weather. To help create a culture of readiness, CertainTeed has developed an extensive list of resources to help you prepare your home and family for such events, as well as information to assist you in the process of dealing with a storm-damaged home.
FEMA
There’s no such thing as a hurricane-proof house. Assessing things like wind damage, hail damage repair costs, and how to get homeowners insurance to pay for a new roof after a major weather event can be challenging—especially especially when dealing with loss and possible injuries.
Insurance & Federal Benefits
Your homeowner’s insurance policy may not be sufficient to cover repairs in the event of property loss. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the specifics of your policy, as many standard policies don’t offer protection against severe weather or natural disasters.
Mythbusting
Is all roof damage visible to the naked eye? Not sure? Well, here are some facts that can help you understand the different ways a storm can damage your roof, and how to choose the right roofing for your home.
Post-Storm Damage Control
A damaged roof can lead to water intrusion and further damage inside your home, so this is the first area of your home you’ll want to assess and, if damaged, address following a major storm.
Storm Preparedness Checklist
While Each Storm may be Different, These Actions Will Help Protect Your Home
- Proactively cut back trees and limbs that could fall on your home during a storm
- Clear tree limbs and other yard waste that could become projectiles during strong winds
- Secure fences, outdoor grills, and yard furniture; bring lighter items inside
- Clear gutters of debris
- Perform necessary roofing repairs prior to storm season
- Protect critical areas like windows, doors, and garage doors
- Park cars in a garage or covered area
- Stay clear of windows and close curtains to protect from shattered glass
- Place valuables and important paperwork in a waterproof and/or fireproof box
Additional Preparation for Wildfires
- Use fire-resistant building materials whenever possible
- Don’t keep fuel storage containers on your property\
- Install fire sprinklers
- Cover all crawl spaces and access holes with ¼” or less wire mesh to prevent embers from entering the home
- Keep a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible place
Have an Emergency Supply Kit Ready
- Water: one gallon of water per person, per day, for at least three days
- Non-perishable food: a minimum three-day supply per person
- Medications: prescription and non-prescription, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, etc.
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio, plus extra batteries
- Flashlight, plus extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for sanitation
- Wrench and pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for canned food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and backup battery
Consider Adding the Following Items Based Upon Individual Needs
- A copy of your family emergency plan
- A document with evacuation routes and shelter locations
- Baby formula and diapers
- Glasses and contact lens solution
- Important family documents like identification, insurance policies, bank records, etc. – these items should be placed in a portable waterproof container
- Sleeping bag and/or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches
- Feminine hygiene items
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles, and cards for activities
Once Your Kit is Assembled Make Sure to Maintain it, so it is Ready When Needed
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
- Replace expired items as needed
- Re-think your needs every year, and update your kit as your needs change
Pets are Part of the Family and Their Needs Must be Identified for Disaster Preparedness
- Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of an approaching storm or disaster
- Place a rescue alert sticker at all entry areas – this will let rescue workers know that pets are inside. If you evacuate your pet(s), mark the sticker “evacuated” so rescue personnel know
- Arrange a safe haven: if the house is not safe for humans, it won’t be safe for pets.
- Not all emergency shelters accept pets; ask your local animal shelter if it provides emergency shelter or foster care for pets
- Identify hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that accept pets
- Ask relatives or friends outside of your immediate area if they would be willing to take your pet
- Make sure pets wear collars with up-to-date identification information and urgent medical needs – the ASPCA also recommends microchipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification
Make a Pet Emergency Kit That Includes
- Medication and pet first aid items (rotate medications to ensure freshness)
- Food for three to seven days (rotate dry food every two months)
- Bottled water (seven-day supply)
- Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans also work)
- Litter or paper toweling
- Food and water bowls
- Extra collar or harness, and an extra leash
- Photocopies and/or flash drive of medical records (keep in a waterproof container)
- Traveling bag, crate, or sturdy carrier (one for each pet)
- Blanket
- Recent photos of your pet (in case you are separated and need to make a lost pet poster)
- Toys, chews, and kennel liners
Click here to get your Storm Preparedness Checklists
