Prepare your home for summer storms

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Natural disasters caused almost $60 billion in damage last year across the United States. ABC57 has ways you can avoid the worst a storm can bring.

In an average year in Michiana there will be 129 instances of wind damage and 60 large hail events.

Are you ready? Have you prepared your home?

State Farm Insurance Agent Deb Childs suggests removing dead trees from your yard and clearing your gutters.

"You want to make sure your roof is in good shape. Generally older homes have shingles blowing off of them,” said Childs.

Before the storm, review your policy to make sure you know what coverage you have and that you are fully protected.

Most policies safeguard against hail, fire and wind damage.

"Be proactive. Contact your insurance company long before loss occurs to see are you covered for that,” said Childs.

Your policy most likely doesn't cover flooding so even if you don't live by the water, it might be a good option to add.

Childs learned that first hand.

"A few years ago we had a heavy rainstorm in our area where like 12 inches of rain fell in a 24 hour period and people had water coming in their basements - and I was one of them,” said Childs.

What happens if severe weather causes a tree in your yard falls on your neighbor’s house? Are you responsible?

"Unless you are out there cutting the tree down, you would not be responsible for the damage to the neighbor's house,” said Childs.

The same is true if your neighbor's tree damages your property.

"Call your insurance company immediately because you want to notify them of any damage to your home,” said Childs.

FEMA also has some great suggestions for improvement projects to make your home more weather resistant and avoid having to file an insurance claim. Click here to visit their site

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