Tips for Storm Season

Summer Storm Season is Here: Are You Covered?

Create emergency plans for severe weather like thunderstorms, flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes and fires.
Communicate these plans and practice them with your household. Practicing an exit strategy or taking cover can help during an actual emergency when panic sets in.
Identify a member outside of your family or household to contact in case of separation during a disaster and make sure all people have their contact information

Create a documentation of the belongings in your home through photos, lists, or an app.
- Apps that are great for this process: Sortly, Momento Database, Nest Egg, MyStuff, Magic Home Inventory
Share this information with your insurance provider to make claims easier after a loss occurs.

Check and Rearrange downspouts
- Downspouts should carry water several feet away from your property to a well-drained area.
Check your Sump Pump
- Examine and clean the pump, pour water into the pit to make sure the discharge hose carries it away from your property to a well-drained area. Be sure the pipe is on sloped ground so it drains well.
Secure Fuel Tanks
- Anchor fuel tanks in basements and outside properties. Unanchored tanks can be torn free by floodwater, and the broken supply line can contaminate your basement. An outside tank can be swept downstream and damage other property
Check All Electrical Components
- Make sure they are 12 inches above the flood line. Measure the height of electrical components, such as switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring. Contact a licensed electrician to make changes if necessary.
Elevate your Furnace
- Your furnace and water heater should be 12 inches from the floor. Place them on top of masonry blocks, concrete or pressure-treated lumber. Do the same with your washer and dryer if they’re in your basement.
Tighten Window Wells
- Make sure window wells at ground level are watertight. Window covers that can be bolted in place are most effective in keeping water out.

Midwest Certified Insurance Agency can help you with this! Reviewing policies is a great way to ensure that you are fully covered for your needs. Because Midwest Certified Insurance Agency partners with many top insurance carriers, we have the access and the expertise to find the right plans for you.
Are you familiar with the coverage you have in place? Do you need extra protection? Do you know what you have to pay in the event of a claim? We at Midwest Certified have experienced Insurance Specialists to help you with that, it’s just a phone call away!