Tips to Protect Your Property from Wind Damage

Submitted by Judie Docs, Executive Officer, North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) www. ncbia.com CSP, MCSP, CGP, CMP, MIRM

Our homes are more important now than ever before. During storm season, powerful winds from hurricanes, tornados and other severe storms can put your home at risk. High winds from storms can be unpredictable and uproot trees or create flying debris that can damage your property.

Each September, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognizes National Preparedness Month, to encourage and remind Americans to be prepared for disasters or emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. There are steps you can take to protect your home from severe winds before storms strike. Consider the following:

Take inventory of Your Home Contents.

If your property incurs severe damage from a storm, you’ll need to share the list of damaged or lost items with your insurance company. In general, a record of the assets you have can help expedite your claim. There are several different ways to keep a list of all your belongings. You can create a visual list with photos, a written list on paper, or digitally. Make sure you keep copies of your photos or documents in a safe space, such as a water-tight container or fire safe. If your list is digitized, keep lists stored securely online or on a flash drive in the same safe as your other documentation.

Review Your Insurance Policies. Take time to review your insurance policies to make sure you’re covered for losses incurred as the result of a natural disaster or severe storm. Damage caused by flooding and hurricanes is generally not covered by your regular homeowner’s policy but can be purchased separately. Talk to your insurance company about any changes or upgrades that need to be made to your policy and make sure all your information on file is up to date.

Reinforce Windows and Doors. High winds can enter your home through windows, cracks, entry doors and garage doors. When wind funnels through your house, the force tends to push upward and could lift the roof, allowing heavy rains to damage the interior of your home.

It is important to seal your windows and doors as tightly as possible. You can purchase and install special storm shutters to cover your windows. Don’t forget about your garage door. Home improvement stores sell hardware that can help reinforce the door.

Secure all Objects Outside of Your Home. Items around your home can take flight during a storm. Remove all dead and dying limbs from your trees, and secure lawn furniture, trashcans, flowerpots and other yard ornaments. Any items that cannot be easily secured can be brought inside your home. Fences or sheds should be firmly attached to the ground and have a solid foundation.

To learn more about protecting your home from a natural disaster, visit nahb.org/ consumers.

This week I am featuring Green Quest Homes. Green Quest Homes was started by William “Bud” Hagy in 2010 after seeing a need for quality, well-built homes at reasonable prices in Northeast Ohio. Bud has lived in the greater Cleveland area for more than 45 years and is a serial entrepreneur having started multiple businesses in real estate, manufacturing, and retail. In 2010 Bud hired an experienced general manager, Tim Hinkle, to manage the day-to-day operations of Green Quest Homes. Before joining Green Guest Homes, Tim worked in various roles with other local builders in Northeast Ohio. Tim has over 27 years of construction industry experience and brings a wealth of knowledge to help guide homebuyers through the building process.

Harvest Pointe is Green Quest Homes’ newest development located in North Ridgeville on Root Road just south of Lorain Road. Phase 1 only has sublot 1 and 2 remaining to be sold which are under construction and will be ready to be moved onto later this year. They include many home features and “upgrades” as standard in their construction. Their Phase 1 model home, located at 8723 Orchard Grove Court can be shown by appointment only by contacting Patrick Stracensky of Key Realty 440-2121897.

Their mission is to make homeowners excited to move into one of their homes and want to them to be happy years later. They believe in building homes with quality material and workmanship that stand the test of time. https:// www.greenquesthomes. net/

The NCBIA is your local not-for-profit trade association representing member companies involved in all aspects of home building, remodeling, and other aspects of services available to help you in the future as well as more information on the above topic. So, you can see it is for your protection that you use a NCBIA member. If you are unsure that your contractor is a member of the NCBIA or you are looking for a list of NCBIA members, you can visit our website at www.ncbia.com or call 440-934-1090. We also have a job posting board (under the industry tab).

Visit our 24/7 Virtual Parade of Homes!!! Allows you to look at some of our builders’ new homes, remodels, and communities on your mobile device or computer at your leisure (including our remodelers) We know time is our greatest asset and via our NCBIA Virtual Parade of Homes, we save you time looking for a new home or a community that fits your lifestyle. The Virtual Parade of Homes is open online 24/7. Many of the homes featured in our Virtual Parade host regular open house hours for those consumers who are looking to tour the actual homes. You can click through to builder websites to see what they have to offer.

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