Our claims team knows how quickly eerie weather can go from routine to damaging—and that’s why we’ve rounded up their top safety tips to help you prepare, protect, and bounce back from severe summer storms.
Use this checklist to make sure your home—and your loved ones—are storm-ready:
Inspect and Maintain Your Property
- Roof: Grab your phone and snap a few photos of your roof. If anything looks off, ask a trusted professional to check for loose, missing, or damaged shingles. Small repairs now can prevent big headaches later.
- Gutters & Drains: Clear out leaves and debris so water can flow freely—especially during heavy downpours.
- Windows & Doors: Seal any gaps and consider storm shutters if you’re in a high-wind area.
- Trees & Landscaping: Trim back branches near your home and remove dead or weakened trees. High winds can turn them into hazards.
Strengthen Structures
- Secure Outdoor Items: Don’t let your patio furniture fly during summer storms! Anchor or store grills, furniture, umbrellas, and yard décor.
- Reinforce Garage Doors: These are particularly vulnerable during windstorms. Reinforce your current setup or consider upgrading to a wind-rated model.
- Install Surge Protectors: Lightning strikes can cause costly damage. Protect electronics and appliances with surge protectors.
Create a Home Inventory
- Take photos or videos of your belongings – room by room.
- Save copies of receipts if you have them.
- Store everything in a secure cloud folder or on an external hard drive. If you ever need to file a claim, this will make the process much smoother.
Prepare for Emergencies
- Build a storm kit with water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, pet supplies, and first aid.
- Create a family communication plan. If you’re separated, how will you check in? Make sure everyone knows the plan.
- Looking for more prep tips before summer storms are in full force? Check out these from the American Red Cross.
”"As both a claims professional and a homeowner, I’ve seen how a few simple steps can go a long way in protecting your property. Many of these tips are easy to overlook, especially if you’ve never experienced severe weather damage before—but they can make all the difference when summer storms hit."
Kathy Bubeck, AIC - VP ClaimsBadger Mutual Insurance
Summer storms may be unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. Share this guide with your loved ones, and remember: staying safe starts with staying informed.
Reach out to your Badger agent today to ensure your personal and business policies are up-to-date, providing year-round protection for you and your family.
