When it comes to homes, Mother Nature is testing them like never before. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III): 

• One in every 35 insured U.S. homes has a property damage claim related to wind or hail annually. The average loss costs $12,913.  

• One in every 60 homes has a yearly claim for water damage and freezing at a cost of $12,514.  

• One in every 385 U.S. homes has an annual insurance claim related to fire and lightning. The cost averages $83,519! 

From hurricanes to blizzards, tornadoes to wildfires, mudslides to heat waves, every homeowner needs to prepare for extreme weather. Planning ahead can save you significant stress, money, and the integrity of your home. We hate to say it, but Mother Nature setting her sights on your home is not a matter of if but when.  

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to be at your best when the weather is at its worst. In this homeowner’s guide, we offer tips for:  

• Proactive home maintenance to fend off extreme weather’s effects 

• Preparing for power outages 

• Keeping your home protected beyond your toolbelt 

Home Maintenance Tips for Extreme Weather 

Preventative maintenance is key to making your home extreme weather ready. Checking your home for issues and making repairs in advance will help you—and your home—stay safe when bad weather hits.  

Here are a few important areas of your home to examine:  

• Roof and Gutters – Check the roof for loose or damaged shingles that can create leaks. Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. Clogs can back up water during intense rains and create ice dams heavy enough to pull down gutters during winter months. If you hate cleaning gutters regularly, consider installing gutter guards to minimize debris buildup.  

• Windows and Doors – Check the integrity of weatherstripping with the dollar bill test. Open a door, place a dollar bill between the door and jamb, then close the door. Try to pull the bill out (you shouldn’t be able to). You can perform a similar test on windows. Look for missing chunks, cracks, holes, or dry and brittle areas in the weatherstripping that will let moisture or drafts in. Seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors. Install storm shutters if you live in a hurricane-prone area. 

• Foundation and Basement – Seal any foundation cracks that could allow water seepage. Ensure the sump pump is in good condition and consider a battery backup system to protect against flooding during power outages. If flooding is a significant risk in your area, apply a waterproof sealant to basement walls and floors to guard against water intrusion.  

• Exterior Maintenance – Take a look around and secure anything that could become a projectile in high winds like patio furniture, grills, and garden tools. Ensure all siding is secure and repair any loose patches to protect against wind and water damage. Check your yard’s grading to ensure water flows away from the home’s foundation. If there is a problem, consider installing French drains or extending downspouts. Install window well covers to prevent water from pooling around basement windows.  

Preparing for Power Outages 

Power outages are a real threat in almost any extreme weather event. A fallen line in freezing temperatures or a blackout during a heat wave can put you and your home in jeopardy. 

Here are a few tips to stay protected in a power outage:  

• Backup Power Solutions – Invest in a portable or standby generator to keep essential appliances running. Ensure you have sufficient fuel and store it safely when not in use. Some generators now even work via solar power as another option. If your home comes with automatic backup power, run weekly tests, and ensure technicians service the generator annually.  

• Communication and Information – Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed about weather updates and emergency instructions. Charge mobile devices fully before a storm. Consider portable chargers or power banks for additional battery life because extreme weather can cause power outages that last for days.  

• Temperature Control – In cold weather, use a portable fuel heater and move to the most well-insulated room in the house. Prevent drafts by placing towels or blankets under doors and over windows. In hot weather, close all curtains and blinds. Shut off rooms that get the most heat and avoid going upstairs. Stay hydrated and use hand fans. Avoid the temptation to stand in front of the open fridge. You can even wet sheets and hang them over windows to cool the air as it enters the home.  

• Emergency Kits – Have an emergency kit ready to go with non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid supplies. Include items tailored to your family’s needs like pet supplies, baby formula, and necessary medical equipment. Your kit might even need device-free ways to entertain your children.  

Revisiting Home Protections: Insurance and Warranties 

Your toolbox can only do so much to prevent the effects of extreme weather. When Mother Nature really gets nasty, insurance and warranties are the last line of defense. They may not stop damages but they do offer critical financial resources for repairs and replacements.  

• Homeowners Insurance – Regularly review your homeowners insurance policy to ensure your understanding of coverage and your responsibilities when it comes to damage from the types of extreme weather common in your area. For example, many policies exclude flooding and earthquakes. Consider additional policies to cover excluded perils for better protection. Look at coverage amounts to make sure that should catastrophic damage occur, the policy will fully pay for repairs and replacements. Make an inventory of your home’s contents and securely store it should you need to file a claim.  

• Home Warranties – Explore a home warranty plan to cover critical systems and appliances, which can fail under extreme weather conditions. Homeowners often think their insurance policy covers everything. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. For example, should extreme weather cause your water heater to fail and flood the basement, insurance covers the flood damage, but not the unit replacement which can cost up to $3,000. HomePRO, PWSC’s system and appliance warranty, covers nearly all appliances, as well as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. The home warranty even covers food spoilage due to a power outage or malfunctioning refrigerator. Round-the-clock access to submit a claim means PWSC’s nationwide network of highly qualified service technicians are on your doorstep quickly to make repairs—all through one low annual warranty fee.  

Extreme weather doesn’t have to mean extreme chaos for you or your home. With proactive maintenance, an emergency plan in place, and a warranty partner by your side, you can be weather ready all year long. Learn more about PWSC’s systems and appliance warranty and get a quote for your home before Mother Nature decides to stir up trouble.