Essential Tips for Residential & Commercial Properties

As temperatures rise and winter storms subside, melting snow and ice can lead to potential flooding. For property owners and commercial property managers alike, understanding flood risks and taking proactive measures is essential. There is no time to waste; take actionable steps to prepare, manage, and recover from the looming threat of flooding after the recent winter storms.

Preparing for Potential flooding

Assessing Vulnerabilities

Evaluate your property for areas prone to flooding. Check low-lying spots, drainage systems, and structural elements that may be affected by rising water. Regular assessments help identify risks early.

Snow and Ice Removal

Timely removal of snow and ice is important to prevent water accumulation. Keep pathways, drains, and parking lots clear to ensure proper water flow. For commercial properties, consider specialized equipment to handle larger areas.

Structural Integrity Checks

Inspect your property’s foundation, walls, and roofing for potential weaknesses. Removing ice dams is critical to avoid water infiltration during the thaw. Allow for your roof to be free of ice dams, which can lead to water infiltration during the thaw. Learn more about ice dams in our blog: Protect Your Property from Ice Dams

Landscaping Adaptations

Adjust your landscaping to improve water drainage. Homeowners can focus on grading solutions, while commercial properties may need more advanced water management strategies to redirect flow away from buildings.

Emergency Planning

Develop a clear emergency plan that includes:

- - Stocking essential supplies
  - Establishing backup power sources
  - Setting up reliable communication systems

For commercial properties, ensure evacuation routes and protocols are in place to protect both employees and visitors.

What to Do During a Flood

Protecting Assets

Safeguard valuable equipment and important documents by elevating them above potential flood levels. Early action can reduce damage and support a smoother recovery process.

Managing Water Intrusion

Implement water management strategies, such as installing barriers or redirecting water away from critical areas. Elevate belongings when possible to limit exposure to floodwater.

Appliance Precautions

Protect electrical appliances by elevating them or placing them on stable platforms. Disconnect devices as needed to reduce the risk of electrical hazards during a flood.

Maintaining Communication

Ensure your communication systems remain operational by having backup power and redundant channels. This helps keep everyone informed during an emergency.

Post-Flood Recovery Tips

Documenting Damage

After a flood, document all damage with photographs and videos. Accurate records are essential for insurance claims and repair assessments.

Contacting Professionals

Contact cleanup and restoration professionals promptly. Premier Claims offers support through the insurance claims process and can assist in coordinating repairs.

Navigating Insurance Claims Post Winter Storms

Review your insurance policy carefully. Flood damage may not be covered under standard policies, so separate flood insurance is often necessary. Premier Claims can help clarify policy details and guide you through the claims process. Submit your insurance policy for review today!

Being prepared for flooding after winter storms is essential for protecting your property. By assessing risks, managing water flow effectively, and planning for recovery, you can minimize damage and ensure a smoother post-flood recovery. For additional assistance and expert guidance, contact Premier Claims.

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Steps to Take After Property Damage

As you’re sitting at your dinner table, drinking your coffee, and eating your breakfast, you open up Facebook, and all you see are photos, videos, and news articles about the hail storm that swept through your neighborhood. You see that one of your friends posted a picture of a golf ball-sized hail near one of the office buildings you own. You realize there is a VERY good chance your building has damage. What do you do? Do you know how to navigate the claims process after property damage?

Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do after property damage:

1. Mitigate Further Damage

First and foremost, prioritize your own safety and that of others. If the damage poses any immediate danger, take necessary steps to mitigate further impact or loss to your property. This could involve actions like boarding up windows, covering exposed areas, or shutting off utilities if necessary. Safety should always be the top priority.

2. Document the Damage

Capture thorough photographic and video evidence of all damage. This documentation is crucial as it serves as tangible proof of the extent of the damage for your insurance claim. Take pictures and videos from multiple angles, including close-up shots and wider views, to capture the full scope of the damage.

Focus on Exterior Components: Inspect and document any damage to the roof, siding, windows, and surrounding landscape features such as foliage. Look for signs of dents, punctures, missing shingles or tiles, and debris accumulation.
Immediate Assistance: If you cannot immediately document the damage yourself, contact our team promptly. We can dispatch someone to conduct a thorough damage assessment and gather the necessary information for your claim.

3. Contact Our Team for Guidance

Reach out to our team as soon as possible for professional assistance. Premier Claims specializes in navigating the complexities of insurance claims and can provide invaluable guidance from the outset.

Assessment and Documentation: Our team will conduct an on-site inspection to gather comprehensive evidence of all recoverable damage under your insurance policy.
Detailed Damage List: We’ll help you create a detailed list of all damage, impacted areas, and any structural issues. This includes a summary of the date, time, and severity of the event that caused the damage.
Compile Records: Gather any relevant records related to your property, such as maintenance records, previous inspection reports, repair receipts, and prior photographs. These documents strengthen your claim by providing a history of the property’s condition.

4. Initiate the Claims Process

After reviewing the evidence and records, if we determine there is sufficient damage covered under your policy, we will initiate the claims process on your behalf.

Notification to Insurance Carrier: We will notify your insurance carrier of the damage incurred and provide all necessary documentation to support your claim.
Advocacy and Support: Throughout the claims process, our team will advocate for your best interests and work hard to get you fair compensation for the damage to the property. Dealing with property damage can be daunting, but taking proactive steps and partnering with our experienced team can make a significant difference in the outcome of your insurance claim. By promptly documenting the damage, compiling necessary records, and initiating the claims process with our guidance, you can lay a solid foundation for a smooth and successful resolution.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in navigating the insurance claims process and recovering from property damage effectively. Your peace of mind is our priority.

In the grand theater of meteorological events, two powerful weather phenomena play starring roles: tornadoes and downbursts. Though they both may seem like formidable players causing extensive damage, they are distinct in their formation, the type of winds they produce, and the nature of destruction they cause. This blog will dive into the world of tornadoes and downbursts, with special emphasis on macrobursts and microbursts, and will guide you on how to ensure your property is adequately covered by insurance for such events.

Tornadoes vs. Downbursts: The Basics

Tornado Formation and Wind Type

According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Severe Storms Laboratory (NOAA NSSL), “A tornado is a narrow, violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground.” The formation of a tornado, also known as tornadogenesis, is a complex process that involves varying wind speeds and directions, change in wind speed and direction with altitude (wind shear), high humidity, and instability in the lower atmosphere.

Tornadoes produce what is known as rotational winds. These are winds that move in a circular pattern around a center point, much like water going down a drain.

Downburst Formation and Wind Type

On the other hand, a downburst is a strong downward current of air from a thunderstorm that hits the ground and spreads out in all directions. There are two types of downbursts: macrobursts and microbursts. A macroburst is a powerful storm with a diameter exceeding 2.5 miles, lasting 5 to 30 minutes. In contrast, a microburst is more concentrated, affecting an area under 2.5 miles wide, lasting around 5 minutes.

Unlike tornadoes, downbursts produce straight-line winds. These winds flow in a more uniform direction, spreading radially once they hit the ground.

The Devastation: Tornado vs. Downburst Damage

The type of wind involved greatly influences the pattern of damage that these events cause. Tornado damage is often identifiable by a distinct path of destruction due to its rotational winds, leaving damage in a somewhat narrow and long trail.

In contrast, the damage from a downburst is typically more “divergent” due to the straight-line winds. The destruction radiates outwards from a central point where the wind initially strikes the ground, often creating a radial or fan-shaped pattern of damage.

Insurance Claims: Navigating the Storm After the Storm

The aftermath of these severe weather events often leads to significant property loss, making insurance claims a necessary, albeit daunting, process. Here are key factors to consider when dealing with insurance for tornado and downburst damages.

Coverage for Tornado Damage

Standard homeowners’ insurance policies typically cover tornado damage. It usually falls under the “windstorm” or “hail” peril covered in your policy. However, it’s essential to review your policy’s specific terms and limits.

In the event of a tornado, you’ll want to document all damage extensively, take photographs, and compile a detailed inventory of damaged items. This information will support your claim.

Coverage for Downburst Damage

Damage from downbursts, including both macrobursts and microbursts, is generally covered under the wind damage provision of your homeowners’ insurance policy. As with tornadoes, it’s crucial to document all damage thoroughly, providing your insurance company with a detailed account of the loss.

Getting Adequate Coverage

While basic homeowners’ insurance usually covers tornado and downburst damages, there are certain scenarios where additional coverage may be needed. For instance, if you live in a tornado-prone area, consider getting a separate, specific tornado insurance policy.

Your standard policy might not cover damage due to flooding following a downburst or a tornado. So, consider adding a flood insurance policy to your existing coverage. Additionally, ensure your policy includes a provision for living expenses in case your home becomes uninhabitable due to storm damage.

Conclusion

Tornadoes and downbursts, including macrobursts and microbursts, are powerful weather phenomena with distinct formations, wind types, and patterns of damage. Securing proper insurance for these situations brings peace of mind amid unpredictable weather. Regularly assess your policies for the right coverage and disaster-response know-how.

Post-Winter Storm Flooding