The past year has highlighted the importance of home, further emphasizing why it is so critical to prepare for uncertainties — like severe weather.
With spring just around the corner, The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is encouraging homeowners to act now to be thunderstorm ready ahead of spring severe weather to reduce the risk of costly storm damage.
To help, the nonprofit has updated its Thunderstorm Ready guide with new projects based on the latest scientific testing at its state-of-the-art Research Center in Richburg, South Carolina.
The new guidance builds on recommendations from a decade of full-scale lab testing and field research for home improvement projects at an array of price points, including low- and no-cost ideas, to prepare and protect against high winds, heavy rain, hail and even tornadoes.
“Contrary to popular belief, homeowners are not powerless against severe weather,” Dr. Anne Cope P.E. and Chief Engineer at IBHS said. “In fact, even small actions can help reduce property damage. Coupling simple home improvements with ongoing home maintenance gives families the best protection from spring weather events, which wreak havoc year after year.”
Thunderstorm Ready recommends projects to tackle today and last-minute actions to take when severe weather is in the forecast, as well as tips for when it is time for larger home repairs, to help ensure your home performs better in powerful storms. Start now with the following
Install protective screens on HVAC units
Screens can prevent costly hail damage to your air conditioning units. In hail-prone regions, installing screens around your home’s air conditioning unit will help reduce the chance of hail damage to coils and fins.