Ohio residents aren’t immune from harsh weather. Storms in Ohio can include high winds that can reach tornado status, flooding rains, and more. Pearl Insurance Agency, serving Pennsylvania and Ohio, offers home insurance to keep you covered. But prevention is always better when it comes to your home. Here are some tips to prepare your home for storms in Ohio.
Heed Storm Warnings
Don’t take severe weather warnings lightly. Pay attention when you get storm alerts from the Emergency Alert System (EAS), NOAA Weather radio, and your local news services. Take appropriate cautionary steps before the storm hits to avoid frantic, chaotic actions later.
Stockpile Supplies
Don’t wait until a storm’s approaching to stock up on supplies. Your home should always be prepared with weather-stopping, caulking, insulation, and pipe insulation to protect against burst pipes. Keep a supply of plywood or other window glass protectors at home so you can put them in place when needed. If you live near a river or other body of water, consider keeping a supply of sandbags in an outdoor shed to be used if river waters flood the banks.
Install and Test Indoor Alert Systems
Make sure your home has carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in multiple areas and that the batteries are fresh. In storm situations, your HVAC system may not operate correctly, or fires could break out due to energy surges. You’ll want to know immediately if there’s imminent danger so you can get your family to safety.
Avoid Going Outside in Storms
Winter storms can bring black ice, downed power lines, and other hazards. Stay inside, especially at night, until the weather improves or the town can take care of hazards.
Pearl Insurance Agency, serving Ohio and Pennsylvania, is ready to help you with all your home insurance needs, including claims. With these tips, you can hopefully keep your home and family safe during Ohio storms.