HOW TO PREPARE YOUR VACATION HOME FOR A TORNADO
When it comes to vacation homes, your property is not just a place to rest and relax – it’s also an investment that you want to protect. Sevierville, Tennessee is an area that is susceptible to tornadoes, which can do significant damage to your vacation home and belongings. Therefore, as a responsible homeowner, it’s essential to have a plan in place to prepare your vacation home for a tornado. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some essential tips to help you get started.
REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE POLICY
One of the most critical aspects of preparing for a tornado is to review your insurance policy. While you may have coverage for certain damages, it’s essential to ensure that your policy covers tornado damage. Many insurance policies in Tennessee require a separate wind/hail deductible. It’s also important to ensure that you have enough coverage to replace your property in the event of significant damage. Consider adding endorsements to your policy for items like swimming pools, detached garages, and other amenities.
CREATE AN EMERGENCY KIT
Another essential step in preparing for a tornado is to create a home emergency kit. This kit should include a first aid kit, water, non-perishable foods, flashlights, and spare batteries. Be sure to store the kit in a secure location that is away from windows and doors. Keeping an emergency kit in your vacation home is especially important if you rent it out to visitors. Make sure your renters know where the kit is, and it’s a good idea to include a sheet of instructions on what to do in the event of a tornado.
SECURE OUTDOOR ITEMS
In the event of a tornado, items such as patio furniture, barbecue grills, and yard ornaments can become dangerous projectiles. Therefore, it’s important to secure all outdoor items before the storm arrives. Bring all objects inside the house if possible, or tie them down with sturdy cords. Boat owners should take note of their policy’s deductibles and ensure they have appropriate coverage. When your property is going to be left vacant, make sure you put away or secure all potential projectiles before leaving.
INSTALL REINFORCEMENTS
If you live in an area prone to tornadoes, then it’s essential to install extra reinforcements to your vacation home. Reinforcements for your doors, windows, and garage doors may prevent damage and protect your investment. You may also want to consider the use of impact-resistant glass or shutters to help keep your windows from breaking during strong storms.
CREATE A HOME INVENTORY LIST
Creating a home inventory list is another critical step in preparing for a tornado. A home inventory list provides clear evidence of ownership and helps you claim what you lost in a tornado. Go room to room with your smartphone, digital camera, or camcorder, recording all of your valuables. Be sure to store the inventory list in a safe and secure location that is accessible to you if needed. This will be an invaluable resource should you find yourself needing to file an insurance claim for your vacation home. If you rent out your home, maintaining a home inventory list will also be useful in the event of theft from a renter.
CONTACT CABINQUOTE
You can’t fully prevent tornadoes from happening, but you can take steps to prepare your vacation home and protect your investment. Taking the above measures will help protect your property and your family or renters from severe weather conditions. Speak to your insurance agent to ensure you have the correct coverage. Finally, with a little preparation and the right insurance policy, you can help safeguard your vacation home against the unpredictable nature of tornadoes. CabinQuote provides vacation home insurance to help you protect your investment in your second home. Contact us today to learn more about our policies.