I know how much owning and maintaining a home can mean to you. Our home is our center of gravity. It’s a meeting place. It’s a reflection of who and what we are. And it’s an investment. Our homes, like us, are subject to the ever-changing weather. Certainly the Columbus area (and most parts of Ohio) is known for fluctuations and sometimes rapid changes in weather! As Old Man Winter slowly loses his grip on us, we need to think ahead to what’s just around the corner.
Being prepared is smart. Just as you would carry an umbrella in the rain, you’d want to make sure the roof on your house was as prepared for the rain as you were.
Now is a good time to come up with or revise your ‘weather checklist’. As temperatures fluctuate, and begin to rise, there are a number of things you might consider. Knowing what you should put on your weather checklist has to do with where you live. Here are five things you can do today:
1. It’s a good idea to have (or to review if you already have one) a family disaster plan. A disaster plan just means that you are prepared. Perhaps the most important place to start is being aware of the types of hazards your home or your family might face.
2. Double-check exactly what “perils” and weather items your insurance covers you for. Don’t make the mistake of assuming you’re covered for a specific peril.
3. If you can, have some of the more vulnerable areas of your house re-inspected. Thunderstorms and hail can wreak havoc on your roof. How’s your roof deck holding up? What material is currently used for your roof covering?
4. Plan ahead. Did you know The Old Farmer’s Almanac is available online? Visit this web page to look at the long-term forecasts for the Ohio Valley.
5. Find out more about the area you live in from an expert. I’ve been advising people on real estate in the Columbus area for over 45 years, and I’d be happy to answer your questions.
