Six ways you can help lessen home damage from hurricanes and high winds

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Sep 10, 2018, 11:11 ET

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- With peak hurricane season upon us, it's crucial to have a plan to protect your home. Taking proactive steps now can mitigate future risk when a hurricane or severe wind storm is approaching. Consider the following tips to make your home less prone to damage.

Secure outdoor items
Move items like patio furniture, garden décor and trash cans to an indoor location. Anchor larger outdoor objects such as a grill or play equipment. High winds can turn all of these items into projectiles that could do serious damage to people and property.

Trees and landscaping
Trim or remove trees that are close to buildings and fences to prevent damage if they fall. Also, remove any landscaping or foliage near utility lines that could pull down cables or wires.

Roofing
When it is feasible and safe to do so, inspect your roof or have a contractor evaluate its condition to ensure shingles are secured and there are no missing roofing components. Traditionally, a roof approaches the end of its useful life in 15-20 years. Consider having it replaced with a product that is more resilient to high winds and impacts.

Windows and doors
Make sure all windows and doors are closed and secured – including interior doors. Studies have shown that closing interior doors can minimize upward pressure on the roof, compromising the roof structure. Also, inspect the seals or caulking around windows and doors and seal any cracks or gaps that might allow water to enter.

Storm drains and sump pumps
Check storm drains, gutters and downspouts to ensure they are free of blockages that may prevent water from draining. If your home has a sump pump, inspect the unit to verify it's working properly, and consider adding a battery backup system.

Generators
While it might not fit into everyone's budget, a backup generator can keep the refrigerator cold and the lights on. Generator options range from compact portable units to permanently installed systems that automatically turn on when an outage occurs.

For more ideas about how to protect your home before a hurricane, visit the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety at https://disastersafety.org/hurricane/.

About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, commercial, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; banking and mortgages; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

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Contact:
Ryan Ankrom
(614) 249-5145
[email protected]

SOURCE Nationwide