So You Want to Know about Thunderstorms
Thunderstorm Storm damage is a fact of home ownership. According to research from the National Severe Storms Laboratory, more than 16 million thunderstorms occur each year in the US alone, and at least 10 percent become severe. That’s over 1.6 million severe storms that have the chance to damage homes every year. Whether it’s debris strewn throughout the yard or fallen trees, at some point in your home ownership experience, you will likely clean up after a storm.
It can be costly, too. The National Centers for Environmental Information estimates severe storms average of $2.2 billion per catastrophic event.
While you can’t control Mother Nature, you can take steps to better shield your home from the effects of bad weather In Rochester, New York. But let’s first get familiar with the kind of damage to watch out for.
Effects of Thunderstorms Damage on Your Home
A serious storm can impact your home in a few ways:Wind damage. Wind causes more than half the damage that results from severe storms. Anything in the path of a strong wind gust or a tornado is vulnerable to impact from wind-propelled debris. Even smaller storms that produce Derechos – strong straight lines of wind ahead of storms – can produce hurricane-force winds of 75 miles per hour or more in a short time frame.
Lighting damage. Lightning damage is less common than wind damage, but it can be costly to repair. The National Lightning Safety Institute estimates lightning-driven insurance claims average at least $4,234 per claim. Strikes directly to your home can severely damage your electrical systems and ruin unprotected appliances if there’s a surge.
Hail damage. Any uncovered structure, object, or person is susceptible to damage or injury during a hail event. Large hail can easily break windows and damage roofs.
Flood damage. Heavy downpours can inundate the ground and lead to flash flooding. Of the damage a storm can cause, flash flooding is the most costly. An inch of standing water costs $23,635 for repairs to the home alone.
How to Protect Your House from Thunderstorm Damage
You can’t prevent Thunderstorm storm damage, but you can reduce its impact on your home:
- Do your research. Historical weather trends for your region can give you a hint on what kind of damage to expect seasonally. For example, residents in the Midwest’s “ tornado alley. ” may be inclined to fortify their roofs to mitigate storm damage.
- Be prepared. Strong winds can turn any loose object into a projectile, so secure the space around you. Store grills and lawn furniture when not in use. Prune large trees around your home to prevent falling limbs that could roofs and windows. Invest in a lightning rod for your home to lower the likelihood of lightning strikes, and move your vehicles into a garage or covered parking if you can. Lastly, unplug electronics when a storm sets in if you don’t have surge protectors.
- Stay safe. Make sure your family has a safety and evacuation plan in place to protect yourselves from injury during a storm. Identify a safe room in the house where you can huddle through high winds. Make sure this space is away from windows and located in a structurally sound part of your building, such as a closet or basement bathroom.
- Revisit your policy. Home insurance plans cover most of the damage we’ve discussed so far, including damage from wind, lightning, hail, and fallen trees. However, home insurance does not cover flood damage. For that protection, you must have flood insurance.
When severe storms hit, they can be dangerous and costly, but with planning and preparation, you can weather them. When in doubt, give Craftsman Home Remodeling a call.
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