Here in the Midwest, we’re in the thick of Tornado Season right now. In fact, not that long ago the Dayton area experienced catastrophic tornadoes on Memorial Day. We vividly remember joining our neighbors in the front lawns with flashlights after it had passed, checking on each other. Storm damage is something we hope never to deal with. In the case that you do have storm damage, here is a checklist of things to look at when it's safe in the daytime.
[ ] Look up on your roof for loose or damaged or missing shingles. Areas of compromised shingles should be weathered in to avoid water damage inside your home.
[ ] Look in your yard and your neighbors’ yards for shingles that came off of your roof. Once after a storm several of our neighbors’ shingles ended up in our driveway without his knowledge.
[ ] Look at the gutters and downspouts on your home. Check for any loose or damaged gutter from wind, impacts, or debris.
[ ] Look at any siding your home has for loose or damaged panels. During the Memorial Day tornadoes, we were very fortunate. The only damage we experienced was a cracked siding panel where a lawn chair had been blown across the yard.
[ ] Look at any furnishings or decorations you had in your yards to make sure they are intact. Our lawn chair didn’t make it.
[ ] Look at your vehicle. Projectiles and compromised structures like a carport can cause damage to it during a storm.
[ ] Look at your fencing. Trees or other heavy objects can compromise a nearby fence during high winds or heavy ice.
[ ] Look at your trees and landscaping as well. Even mild storms can cause damage, such as hail or a lightning strike. We found half of a tree down in our yard after it got hit by lightning once.
Having a checklist ready when a storm hits next time can help you be better prepared. You’ll have enough to worry about without needing to try to remember all the different areas to inspect. And don't forget to contact your insurance company to see if they can defray any costs of repairs! If there are issues Copeland can assist with, we’re just a call away!
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