How to Prepare for Storms in Northern Indiana
Summer in Northern Indiana means cookouts, lake days, and outdoor festivals, but it also means storm season. From June through August, communities across Fort Wayne, Warsaw, Elkhart, South Bend, and the surrounding counties regularly see heavy rain, intense thunderstorms, damaging winds, large hail, and flash flooding that can catch homeowners and business owners off guard.
Those storms can lead to roof damage, water intrusion, downed trees, and extended power outages. The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. Taking proactive steps before severe weather hits can significantly cut down on costly damage. And if your property does get hit, the team at Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast Indiana is ready to help you get back on your feet fast.
We proudly serve Warsaw, Fort Wayne, Elkhart, South Bend, and communities throughout Marshall, Adams, Allen, De Kalb, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Wells, Whitley, Huntington, Grant, Steuben, Noble, and Wabash counties.
Indiana Summer Storm Checklist
1. Inspect Your Property Before the Storm
Before storm season really kicks into gear, take a walk around the outside of your home or business and look for trouble spots. Check your roof for loose or missing shingles that could let water in during a heavy downpour. Clear out your gutters and downspouts so water can drain properly and does not back up against your foundation.
Northern Indiana summer storms can bring strong, sudden wind gusts, so take a look at any trees near your home. Trim back branches hanging over your roof or close to power lines, since those can snap quickly in a storm. Also give your siding, doors, and windows a once-over for any cracks or gaps that could get worse when the weather picks up.
2. Protect Against Water Damage
Water damage is one of the most common headaches that follows a summer storm in our area. Northeast Indiana sits in a relatively flat landscape with clay-heavy soils in many counties, which means water can pool quickly and drainage can be slow after heavy rain events. Test your sump pump to make sure it is ready to go and seal any cracks in your foundation or exterior walls before the next storm rolls through.
Check that your yard slopes away from your home so runoff moves in the right direction. If severe weather is in the forecast, go ahead and move valuables from basements or lower levels to higher ground to reduce the risk of flood damage.
3. Secure Outdoor Belongings
Anything that is not tied down can become a hazard in strong winds. Bring patio furniture, grills, and decorations inside or anchor them securely before a storm arrives. Stash tools, lawn equipment, and trash cans in your garage or shed.
It is a quick task that protects your belongings and helps keep your neighbors safe too.
4. Prepare an Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit can be crucial if the power goes out. Store important documents in waterproof containers in a spot you can get to quickly. Stock your kit with flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit. Toss in phone chargers, blankets, and a weather radio so you can keep track of conditions as they develop. Residents throughout Northeast Indiana can also monitor local emergency updates through their county emergency management offices in Allen, Kosciusko, Elkhart, and surrounding counties.
5. Review Your Insurance Coverage
Summer is a smart time to pull out your homeowner’s insurance policy and give it a read. Make sure you know what is covered when it comes to storm-related damage, including wind, hail, fallen trees, and flooding. Check that your coverage limits still make sense for the value of your property and flag any gaps that may need attention.
Keep in mind that standard homeowner policies typically do not cover flood damage, and with the number of lakes, rivers, and low-lying areas across Kosciusko, Marshall, Wabash, and other counties in our region, a separate flood policy may be worth considering.
Be Ready Before the Next Indiana Storm
Getting ready for summer storms in Northern Indiana doesn’t have to be complicated. A few proactive steps, like checking your roof, testing your sump pump, securing outdoor items, and reviewing your coverage, can make a real difference when severe weather occurs.
However, even the best-prepared homes can take a hit. When that happens, it helps to have a local team you can count on. Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast Indiana is ready to respond with fast, friendly service to help you get your property back to its pre-loss condition, or better.
Contact Paul Davis today to learn more about our services or get help after storm damage occurs in Northern Indiana.
