April showers brings May flowers, right? While springtime is full of regrowth, spring weather also brings uncertainty and challenges for homeowners. It’s an exceptionally unpredictable season because winter storms are rounding out and tornado season is rolling in – making it a time in which concurrent disasters are likely. In 2022, extreme weather across the U.S. caused $165 billion in damage. As temperatures fluctuate and storms occur, it’s important to understand how these changes can impact your home and what you can do to prepare.
Winter Storms Come to a Close
Despite winter weather slowing down during springtime, it doesn’t mean homeowners are immune to quick shifts in the temperature that can bring snow, ice, freezing rain, flooding and more. The ferocity of winter storms can also take down trees and power lines, causing widespread power outages that significantly disrupt the lives of homeowners.
Winter storms were responsible for almost $65 million in damage in 2022. These severe weather events can cause extreme property damage that can leave many homeowners who are underprepared (with limited cash reserves, or an underinsured home) left holding the bag and putting the pieces back together as they wait on an insurance claim to be paid out.
Tornado Season Winds Up
Tornadoes were responsible for $229 million in damages in 2021. On top of that, 2022 recorded 1,329 tornadoes throughout the country which was up from the yearly national average of 1,251 according to NOAA – putting a point on how severe weather is becoming more common and costly.
In addition to tornadoes touching down more frequently, bouncing back from the aftermath of a tornado can be an incredibly expensive undertaking for many U.S. homeowners. The average cost of tornado repairs can range anywhere from $4,600 to $17,000. Given that 60% of Americans have no emergency funds whatsoever, homeowners can get swept up in financial ruin when a tornado blows through.
Tornado activity peaks in March, April and May but can extend much longer, so the shift from winter to spring weather is a good time for property owners to assess their current risks and prepare accordingly.
Prepping Your Home
Mother nature throws various challenges homeowners’ way during springtime – ranging from strong winds to heavy rain and fluctuating temps that can all cause damage to your home; therefore, preparation is essential. Here are a few, easy ways to prep your home before disaster strikes to help minimize damage and bounce back faster:
- Start by making sure your roof is in good condition with no weak spots caused by missing or damaged shingles
- Check gutters to make sure they’re clear so snow, ice and rain can all move freely and away from your property
- If you have trees near your home, be sure to trim any branches and remove dead trees that could fall on your property during a storm
- Assess the power lines near your home and contact your municipality or power company if you think they’re at risk of causing damage as a result of a spring storm
- Keep the temperature in your home at 65 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when outside temps drop to prevent the inside walls from freezing
- Consider purchasing a backup generator to maintain heat and power in case the weather causes an outage at your home
- Add a Recoop disaster insurance policy for access to quick, flexible funds that you can use to make repairs, cover the cost of temporary housing and more after severe weather causes damages
The unpredictability of spring weather can make it a difficult time for homeowners, but with the right preparation, you can protect your home and reduce your risk by being ready for whatever weather springtime throws your way.