West Michigan weather keeps us on our toes. One minute it’s a beautiful summer evening, and the next, your phone is buzzing with a severe thunderstorm warning. While we can’t control the weather, we can control how prepared we are when it rolls in. As an insurance agent, I’ve seen firsthand how a few simple steps taken before a storm can save families thousands of dollars, not to mention a whole lot of heartache.
Protect Your Vehicles
Hail is one of the most common (and expensive) storm-related claims we see. If hail is in the forecast, get your vehicles into the garage, even if it means finally tackling that clutter taking up the second stall! No garage? A carport, covered parking structure, or even thick blankets secured over the hood and roof can reduce damage. If you’re out running errands when a hail warning hits, look for a covered parking garage and wait it out.
Secure the Yard
High winds turn everyday items into projectiles. Before a storm arrives, bring in or tie down patio furniture, umbrellas, grills, trampolines, and kids’ toys. Don’t forget porch furniture, hanging plants, and decorative items. Anything that can fly can cause damage to your home, your car, or your neighbor’s property. Take a quick walk around your yard and ask yourself: “If the wind picked this up, where would it land?”
Keep Pets and Kids Safe
Storms are stressful for our littlest family members, both two-legged and four-legged. Bring pets indoors well before the storm hits, and make sure they’re wearing ID tags in case a loud thunderclap sends them bolting. Designate a safe interior room away from windows (a basement or lowest level is best for tornado warnings) and let your kids help stock it with flashlights, snacks, and a favorite blanket or game. When children have a job to do, they feel less scared, and you’ll all be ready to hunker down together.
A Few More Quick Wins
Charge your phones and backup batteries. Know where your important documents are. Clear gutters and downspouts so heavy rain drains away from your foundation. And snap a few photos or a quick video of your home’s interior and exterior. If you ever do need to file a claim, that documentation is worth its weight in gold.
Know What You’re Covered For
The middle of a storm is the worst time to discover a gap in your coverage. Do you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicles? Is your deductible where you want it to be? Do you know how your policy handles wind and hail? A quick policy review takes just a few minutes and brings real peace of mind.
Storms are a part of life here in West Michigan, but being caught unprepared doesn’t have to be. If you have questions about your coverage, I’d love to help. After all, don’t tempt fate. Insure with Kate!
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