The aftermath of a serious storm can be devastating and costly for a homeowner, whether it’s caused by lightning, strong winds or even a hurricane. Damage to a home can often happen in an instant.  Knowing the power of Mother Nature, and more importantly, how to prepare your home to “weather” her fury, can often save you time and money before she ever strikes.

The good news is that there are several ways to protect your home against damage:

• Install UL-listed surge protectors on electrical panels to avoid power spikes often caused by lightning. Consider purchasing a home lightning system. This system can redirect lightning to the ground so that it steers clear of your home.
• Have a professional that handles storm damage repairs come out and assess areas most prone to storm damage, such as roofs, basements, windows, shutters, etc. 

Tornadoes present a different set of challenges. Few homes can withstand a direct hit from a twister, but there are precautions you can take to protect it from damage:

• Make sure your doors are as secure as possible. Each one should have at least three hinges and a deadbolt security lock with a bolt that’s at least one inch long.
• If you have a patio, it wouldn’t hurt to have impact-resistant doors installed, which can withstand serious pressure and sustained winds.
• If floods are a common threat to your home, install a sump pump to protect your basement.

There are numerous ways to prepare your home from storm damage. The key is safety, so make sure you have a qualified professional to assess your needs and help with the project. With a little research and advanced planning, you can be safe and give yourself peace of mind.