Summer Storms in New England

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

Trees who had a dry summer and suddenly become saturated have nothing to hold them in place

In New England we tend to think of storms being something that we need to worry about during our harsh winters. The storms that swept through Upton, Douglas and other western MA we are reminded we are not 100 % safe from the raging storms of the summer.

There are some key things that you can do to protect your home that will last through out the year.

Insurance Coverage

If you are the homeowner or a renter. it is important to start with your insurance coverage. Renters you need to have renters coverage because a home owner is not responsible for your stuff. Home owners make sure you have the right coverage for your property based on the area. This will be the catalyst for what will be covered and what will not be covered. For example, if you are in an area prone to flood but not an official flood zone it may make sense to get flood coverage for example and want to reach out to your agent and review your policy. Coverage options for the structure and contents is also two different things. That too may be something worth looking into. If you have any valuables that would be over and above a specific value such as jewelry check your policy. They have the limits on these types of items unless there is a stipulation otherwise. Having proper documentation along with proper coverage is essential for getting you back to normal as fast as possible.

Air Conditioners

Not that many of us needed to be told this but according to the National Weather Service, there is a 50 percent to 60 percent chance New England could experience higher-than-normal temperatures this summer. A lot of us have bought air conditioners that have never used them before. Maybe even added one to another part of the house. Check which outlets are connected as older wiring that is found throughout New England may have more units connected than you think. Having more than one large draining device can cause fires.

Check your Gutters

The run off water from your roof has to be directed away from your home. If it is safe to do so check your gutters or hire a professional to keep them clean and free from debris. There are covers that can be put over the top to aid in the long term. Again while you are out walking around check out your roof look for any warped or have any holes. Use a garden hose and empty water to the gutter system to see if you have any leaks in the seams or corners of your gutters. Make sure you check all of the elbows and down spouts for any large items or accumulation of debris. These clogs can cause the water to back up into your home. Using extenders on the bottom of the down spouts to direct the water away you’re your home and route it safely to a place where it will not collect.

Look at those trees

Are any branches touching the house? Does it look like the trees have leaned more towards your home than they were before. Trees can twist in the wind look up where large branches diverge from the stem. Inspect them from the ground and if you are questioning them at all call a specialist and put the wheels in motion. Due diligence is an imperative part of being a home owner.

Use generators safely

Here in New England we should be familiar with the use of generators. Yet we feel the need to remind those using them for a power outage in the summer is no different than using them in the winter. They need to out in the open. Away from the house out of garages. Do not put them on porches or near any open vents, doors or windows. It is also important to keep the fuel that you use to power it away from it unless it is off and being refueled. Depending on how it is fueled or its type will determine if it needs to be professionally installed and grounded or just plugged in. Be in the know before you need it so it is ready when you do.

Protect against Lightening

Did you know that you can get a surge protector (yes like the ones you have all your electronics plugged into) for your house. It is a whole home surge protector. It is installed by an electrician directly to your electrical panel. Each outlet can have its own surge protector those are the strips as well depending on what the home size is and what your goals and budget are.

Developing a plan now for the storms and unsettled season that we seem to be having is going to be pivotal to how well you get through any difficulties that arise. Preparedness is something we strive to achieve and help our clients achieve as well.