Connecticut weather can change quickly. Heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms, falling trees, and power outages can create problems for homeowners, drivers, and businesses across the state.
While you can’t control the weather, you can take steps to reduce your risk before a storm arrives.
Here are a few ways Connecticut residents and business owners can prepare.
Protect Your Home
Before severe weather arrives, take a walk around your property and look for potential hazards.
Secure patio furniture, grills, umbrellas, trash cans, and other outdoor objects that could become airborne in high winds. Clear gutters and downspouts, and inspect nearby trees for dead or damaged branches.
It’s also smart to charge phones and portable batteries and make sure flashlights, medications, and emergency supplies are easily accessible.
If you have a sump pump, test it before heavy rain and consider whether you have a backup power source.
Protect Your Vehicles
Whenever possible, move vehicles away from large trees and branches before a storm.
If hail, high winds, or falling debris are possible, parking inside a garage can provide additional protection.
It’s also worth understanding your auto insurance. Damage caused by certain weather-related events may fall under comprehensive coverage rather than collision coverage, depending on the loss and your policy.
Don’t Forget Your Business
Connecticut businesses should have their own storm plan.
Secure outdoor equipment and signage, protect important documents and data, inspect drains and gutters, and make sure employees know what to do if severe weather affects normal operations.
Business owners should also understand their commercial property and business interruption coverage before an event forces them to close.
Document Your Property
One simple step can make a big difference after a loss: take photos or video before the storm.
Document your home, vehicles, business property, equipment, and other valuable items. Keep important insurance information somewhere you can access even if your property loses power.
Review Your Insurance Before You Need It
After a storm isn’t the ideal time to discover a gap in your coverage.
At Petruzelo Insurance, we help families and businesses throughout Wallingford, North Haven, Meriden, Cheshire, Hamden, New Haven County, and across Connecticut understand their insurance options.
Contact Petruzelo Insurance today to review your home, auto, or business coverage and make sure you’re better prepared for whatever Connecticut weather brings next.