High winds are a powerful and destructive force across Eastern Idaho. Our region regularly experiences strong wind storms, with gusts powerful enough to tear siding from walls, knock down trees, and cause significant property damage. While we may not face hurricanes, the financial and emotional cost of severe wind and storm damage can be substantial.
The good news is that proactive preparation can significantly reduce your risk. This guide provides a clear, professional checklist for homeowners in Pocatello and the surrounding areas to properly secure their property against potential storm damage.
4 Steps to Secure Your Home Before a Storm
1. Inspect Your Home’s Building Envelope
Your home’s first line of defense is its exterior shell, or “building envelope.” At least once a year, conduct a thorough inspection of these four critical areas:
- Roof: Look for any loose, cracked, or missing shingles. Pay close attention to the flashing around chimneys and vents, as these are common failure points.
- Siding: Ensure all siding panels are securely fastened to the structure. A single loose panel can be caught by the wind, leading to a chain reaction of damage.
- Windows & Doors: Check that all seals are intact and that there are no cracks in the frames or glass.
- Garage Door: Reinforce your garage door according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Due to their large surface area, garage doors are especially vulnerable to buckling under high wind pressure.
2. Secure Your Property and Landscaping
Damage often comes not just from the wind itself, but from objects turned into projectiles. Systematically secure your yard to minimize this risk.
- Trim Trees and Bushes: Have large trees near your home professionally trimmed to remove dead or weak branches that could snap and fall on your roof or vehicles.
- Anchor Detached Structures: Sheds, detached garages, and other outbuildings should be securely anchored to a permanent foundation.
- Secure Outdoor Items: When a wind advisory is issued, move all patio furniture, grills, trampolines, and garbage cans into a garage or shed. If an item cannot be moved, anchor it securely.
3. Review Your Insurance Coverage
Being prepared also means being financially protected. Do not wait until after a storm to understand your homeowner’s policy.
- Confirm Your Coverage: Review your policy to understand exactly what is covered under wind and storm damage. Pay attention to your deductible.
- Document Your Property: Take photos or videos of your home’s exterior and interior, including major appliances and valuables. Having this documentation on hand makes the insurance claim process significantly smoother.
4. Monitor Weather Alerts and Act Early
Stay informed by monitoring local weather forecasts from the National Weather Service. When forecasters issue a high wind warning for the Pocatello or Eastern Idaho area, it’s your signal to perform a final check. Take an hour to walk your property and tie down or store away everything.
Wind is Often Just the Beginning: Associated Storm Damage
Wind storms rarely happen in isolation. They are often accompanied by other weather events that can lead to different types of property damage, including:
- Water Damage: Heavy rain can penetrate a wind-damaged roof or window, leading to flooding and the need for professional water extraction.
- Hail Damage: Hail can pulverize siding, break windows, and leave significant dents and cracks in your shingles, compromising your roof’s integrity.
- Fire Damage: Lightning strikes during a thunderstorm can hit trees or the structure itself, posing a serious fire risk.
- Structural Damage: Heavy, wet snow combined with high winds can put immense stress on your roof, increasing the risk of collapse.
While preventative measures are key, severe weather can still cause unexpected damage. The most important step you can take after a storm is to get a professional assessment to ensure your home is safe and secure.
If your Pocatello-area home or business suffers damage from a wind storm, contact Elite Restoration. Our IICRC Certified technicians are available 24/7 for emergency service to handle any wind and storm damage repair. We secure your property, mitigate any further damage, and work directly with your insurance agency to make the restoration process as smooth as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Wind Preparedness
Here are answers to some common questions homeowners have about protecting their property from wind.
What is the most common cause of wind damage to a house?
The most common points of failure on a home are the roof and siding. Damage often starts when the wind lifts a few loose or older shingles, creating a peeling effect. Similarly, the wind can tear away loose siding, exposing the structure underneath. This is why an annual inspection of these areas is a critical preventative step.
How do I secure my house for 50 mph winds?
For winds in this range, focus on eliminating potential projectiles. Secure all outdoor furniture, trampolines, and grills inside a garage or shed. Perform a final check on your garage door to ensure you have closed and properly reinforced it. Double-check that you have closed and securely latched all windows and doors to prevent wind from entering the home and creating dangerous internal pressure.
What should I do right after a storm damages my roof?
Your safety is the first priority. Do not climb on a damaged roof. From the ground, take clear photos of the damage to provide to your insurance company. If there is an active leak or significant structural damage, contact a certified storm damage restoration company immediately. A professional team can perform emergency tarping to prevent further water damage while you begin the insurance claim process.
Does homeowner’s insurance in Idaho cover wind damage?
In most standard Idaho homeowner’s insurance policies, damage from wind is a covered peril. However, every policy is different, and it’s essential to review your specific documents to understand your coverage limits and deductible. Elite Restoration has extensive experience with the claims process and works directly with all insurance companies to ensure we handle your restoration smoothly and efficiently.