How to make your home climate-resilient

Severe weather events like floods, wildfires, tornadoes, and extreme heat used to be rare occurrences. However, each year an increasing number of communities face severe property damage from these extreme weather patterns. While you may not be able to predict if and when a natural disaster will head your way, you can take steps to make your home more climate-resilient to reduce the potential damage of severe weather.

How to protect your home’s exterior from severe weather

1. Consider a climate-resilient roof. Asphalt shingles are common roofing materials because they’re cost-effective. However, they’re not very resistant to fire or severe wind. Next time you’re due for a roof upgrade, consider clay or concrete roof tiles, or even a metal roof, which hold up much better against fire and strong winds.
2. Plant the right foliage in your yard. Most suburbs today lack a variety of vegetation to help absorb rain or snow melt run-off, leading to flooding and a greater risk of water damage around foundations and in basements. Bring some beauty and proper drainage to your property with a rain garden — complete with permeable soil and native plants. Summers are getting hotter and stormier, so add some evergreen trees to your yard for extra shade and to protect your home from high winds.
3. Strategically direct your downspouts. Check your gutters and downspouts for debris and cracks before turning them away from your home’s foundation. Water should flow into a lower point in your property, like a rain garden or concrete splash pad that funnels water to a storm drain.
4. Always hire a qualified contractor. No matter what types of home renovations you’re completing, hire a certified and professional contractor. High-quality craftsmanship means you’ll have a home with a solid foundation, a well-secured exterior, and strong walls to withstand extreme winds, snow, or heavy downpours.

Make the outside of your home climate-resilient by planting a rain garden for better water drainage and consider upgrading to a metal or clay tile roof to protect your home against fire and wind.

How to protect your home’s interior from severe weather

1. Make sure you have access to a backup power supply. Power blackouts are common during storms, including hurricanes and tornadoes. Not only are blackouts inconvenient, but going without electricity for an extended period could lead to spoiled food and a home that’s either too hot during the summer or too cold during the winter. Installing a standby generator or weather-resistant solar panels will keep your lights on and your family comfortable while you weather the storm.
2. Install a water sensor alarm. A water sensor alarm by a sump pump or near a drain can detect when water levels rise. Most sensors can send alerts directly to your smartphone so you can take early action and reduce your risk of water damage. 
3. Install a smart thermostat. No matter where you are, a smart thermostat can track and alert you of rapid changes in humidity or temperature within your home, which may be signs that you’re at risk of water damage, fire hazards, or frozen pipes. You’ll receive  immediate notifications on your smartphone, so you can act fast to prevent damage.
4. Swap out incandescent bulbs for LEDs. Not only do incandescent lights use a lot of energy, but they also emit a lot of heat. Incandescent lights may cause snow to melt and freeze on your roof, resulting in ice dams, wear and tear, and water damage in your attic. Switch to LED lights to keep things cool and save money on your energy bills.

The best way to keep your family and your home safe is to be prepared. Reach out to your licensed home insurance broker to make sure you have the right coverage for your property and belongings and check out this guide on what to do before, during, and after severe weather events.

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