Staying Safe and Protected During Storm Season
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As Storm Éowyn threatens Ireland with a red weather warning, homeowners are being cautioned about the potential for costly damage caused by unsecured garden furniture and trampolines. These objects can transform into dangerous projectiles during powerful storms, posing a risk to property and personal safety.
Dominic Lumsden,a spokesperson for Peopl Insurance,highlighted the severity of the situation. “We’ve seen cases where trampolines have been blown onto roads, train tracks, or even electricity lines during extreme weather,” he said. “A flying trampoline or piece of furniture can cause important damage to your own property or your neighbor’s, and it’s entirely preventable.”
Lumsden urged residents to take preventative measures. “Try and store garden furniture indoors where possible,” he advised. “If that’s not an option, secure these items with sandbags or heavy-duty ties to prevent them from becoming airborne hazards.”
Along with securing outdoor items, homeowners are also reminded to review thier insurance policies. While most insurance policies cover storm damage to structures,
“While most home insurers cover damage from storms, this may be limited to structures like sheds and outbuildings, and not extend to garden furniture. Some policies only cover outdoor furniture if the damage is linked to theft attempts,”
Lumsden explained.
weathering the Storm: Essential Home Prep Tips
As storms approach, safety and preparedness become paramount. Peoples Insurance, known for its expertise in protecting homes, offers valuable advice for homeowners to minimize potential damage and ensure a secure habitat.
“Secure or store trampolines and garden furniture: Rogue items can cause costly property damage,”
advises Peoples Insurance, highlighting the importance of securing lightweight objects that can become dangerous projectiles during high winds.
Before the storm hits, peoples Insurance recommends inspecting your roof for any vulnerabilities.”inspect and maintain the roof: homeowners should check for loose tiles, worn flat roofs, or damaged chimney pots,”
they emphasize, stressing that addressing these issues can prevent costly leaks and repairs in the aftermath of a storm.
Overhanging tree branches pose a significant threat during storms. Peoples Insurance urges homeowners to be proactive: “Trim trees near their homes,” they remind us, emphasizing the importance of minimizing potential hazards from falling debris.
Peoples Insurance also stresses the importance of maintaining proper water flow within your home. “clear gutters and drains: blockages can lead to flooding, especially during heavy rain,” they warn, underscoring the need to ensure efficient drainage to prevent water damage.
Weathering the Storm: How to Protect Your Home from damage
As Storm Eowyn approaches, residents are advised to take proactive measures to safeguard their homes from potential damage. Experts at Peopl Insurance recommend a range of steps to mitigate risks and protect against financial strain.
Effective preparation starts with a thorough check of your insurance policy.Make sure you have adequate coverage for your home and belongings. This includes understanding any specific clauses related to storm damage and the age or condition of your roof.
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Flood protection is crucial, especially for those in flood-prone areas. Invest in flood barriers and sandbags, and strategically relocate valuable items to higher floors.
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Thoroughly inspect and maintain your roof, paying particular attention to flat roofs.Peopl Insurance emphasizes that many insurers impose strict conditions on storm damage cover for older or poorly maintained roofs.
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Waterproof your home by sealing external walls and windows to prevent water ingress. This simple step can significantly reduce damage caused by heavy rainfall.
“By taking proactive steps now, homeowners can avoid costly repairs and reduce the risks associated with storm Eowyn,” says Mr. Lumsden.
Homeowners with flat roofs need to ensure their insurer is aware of its existence and understand the specific conditions outlined in their policy regarding flat roofs. Mr. Lumsden warns:
“Your insurer could refuse to cover damage caused to or by a flat roof, particularly if your roof is over a certain size or age, or made of certain construction materials, and if you do not regularly maintain it.”
Taking these steps now can provide peace of mind during Storm Eowyn, protecting both your property and your finances.
Flat Roof Insurance: What You Need to Know
Flat roofs are a popular choice for modern homes, but they frequently enough come with unique insurance considerations. Understanding the nuances of flat roof insurance is crucial to ensure your property is adequately protected against unforeseen events.
While standard home insurance policies typically cover flat roofs, there are certain circumstances where specialized coverage may be required. A key factor is the size and pitch of your flat roof. According to industry guidelines, if 25%-30% or less of your roof is flat, or has a pitch less than 10 degrees, you’ll likely qualify for standard home insurance.
Age and material also play a role in insurance coverage. A spokesperson for Peopl Insurance revealed that some insurers may exclude storm or flood damage coverage if your flat roof is over 10 years old and constructed with torched-on felt, or is made of any other felt and is over five years old.
“Your insurer might also refuse to cover you if you don’t get your flat roof maintained by a qualified roofer or builder at least every five years,”
said Mr. Lumsden, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance for preserving roof integrity and insurance eligibility.
regular inspections,prompt repairs,and adherence to recommended maintenance schedules can significantly contribute to the longevity of your flat roof and help ensure your insurance policy remains effective.
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Archyde Interview: Preparing for Storm Éowyn with Peoples Insurance Spokesperson, Dominic Lumsden
Archyde: Welcome, dominic. Storm Éowyn is threatening Ireland, and homeowners are urged to take precautions. Can you share some key safety measures homeowners should take to secure their properties?
Dominic Lumsden (DL): Thanks for having me. Indeed, Storm Éowyn poses a important risk due to strong winds. I’d urge homeowners to secure or store any lightweight objects outdoors that could become airborne projectiles. That means trampolines, garden furniture, outdoor games—the works. If you can’t store them indoors, use sandbags or heavy-duty ties to anchor them down.
Archyde: That’s a great practical tip. How can homeowners minimize damage to their roofs and prevent leaks?
DL: Roofs are indeed vulnerable during storms. homeowners should inspect their roofs before the storm hits. check for loose tiles, worn flat roofs, or damaged chimney pots. If you notice any issues, address them instantly.A few proactive repairs can prevent costly leaks and damage later on.
Archyde: Overhanging tree branches can also pose a threat, correct?
DL: Absolutely. During high winds, branches can snap and cause significant damage to your property. I’d advise homeowners to trim any trees near their homes to minimize this risk.
Archyde: Proper drainage is another crucial aspect, isn’t it?
DL: Yes, indeed. Blocked gutters and drains can lead to flooding, especially during heavy rain. So, it’s significant to keep them clear to ensure efficient drainage and prevent water damage.
Archyde: Along with protecting their homes, homeowners should also review their insurance policies. Can you guide us through what to look for?
DL: Definitely. Firstly, ensure you have adequate coverage for your home and belongings. look for specific clauses related to storm damage. Also, note that not all policies cover outdoor furniture, and some may only cover it if the damage is linked to theft attempts. It’s better to understand these clauses before a storm hits.
Archyde: Lastly, what should homeowners do if they experience storm damage?
DL: If you do experience damage, document it with photos and videos, and contact your insurance provider immediately. They can guide you through the claims process and help you recover from the storm as smoothly as possible.
Archyde: Thank you, Dominic, for these valuable insights. Homeowners can stay safe and protected during Storm Éowyn with these tips.
DL: My pleasure. Stay safe, everyone!
