Minnesota is home to a lot of things. Lakes, Paul Bunyan, Spam, and some seriously wild weather, especially in the summertime.
With all the rain we’ve been having lately, our team at CoMitted 365 has been on high alert for storms. We’ve been watching the radar like hawks and are always ready to jump in when disaster strikes.
As true Minnesotans, we love the sweetness that comes with summer. But the truth is, summer can also be downright scary, especially for homeowners. Storms can move in fast and rattle an entire neighborhood in minutes. Wind, hail, and heavy rain can cause major damage to your home, leading to financial headaches and emotional stress.
But, like most things in life, a little preparation and follow-through can make all the difference.
Our team of trusted, local pros knows what to look for and how to help. We’ve put together a practical checklist so you know exactly what to do before a storm rolls in and what steps to take once the skies clear.
How to Prepare Your Home and Roof Before a Summer Storm
Preparation is key, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple steps can make a big difference when a summer storm rolls through. Think of it as giving your home a fighting chance before the wind, hail, and heavy rain show up.
Here are a few core things to check off your list:
- Build a Disaster Supply Kit
- Secure Your Property and Roof
- Review Your Insurance Coverage
- Create a Family Safety Plan
A little time spent prepping now can save you weeks of stress later. Focus your efforts on the most vulnerable areas: the roof, windows, gutters, and yard. Let’s break it down:
Build a Disaster Supply Kit
Raise your hand if you’ve ever found yourself digging through the junk drawer mid-storm for a lighter or flashlight. Yep, we’ve all been there. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen again.
Creating a disaster supply kit takes a little effort upfront, but once it’s done, you’ll be set for years to come. Store your supplies in a sturdy, easy-to-reach container, like a plastic bin or tote, and keep it in a hall closet, mudroom, or basement shelf.
- Drinking water: 1 gallon per person per day, enough for 3 days
- Non-perishable food: Canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Manual can opener
- First aid kit: Bandages, antiseptic, gauze, pain relievers
- Medications and medical supplies
- Copies of vital documents: IDs, insurance, bank records (in a waterproof pouch)
- Chargers and a battery-powered radio
- Pet supplies: Food, water, medications, carriers if needed
Making sure your emergency kit is both complete and accessible keeps your family calm if the lights go out.
Secure Property and Roof
It wouldn’t be a blog from a roofing company if we didn’t talk about securing your roof. And while you might not be a roofing pro—we are. And we’re not about to gatekeep the knowledge that can help protect your home.
The good news? You don’t need to be an expert to spot potential risks. Just carve out 15 minutes, walk your property, and create a simple game plan:
- Look for anything the wind could hurl through a window or that might clog your gutters.
- Trim overhanging branches and remove dead trees near the house.
- Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
- Inspect your roof for loose, cracked, or missing shingles and schedule repairs if needed.
- Secure or store outdoor furniture, grills, planters, and lawn décor.
- Install storm shutters or plywood panels if you live in a high-wind area.
- Check sump pumps and drains for blockages or signs of wear.
- Learn where and how to shut off your home’s utilities in an emergency.
These simple steps can go a long way in protecting your roof and overall property. A little routine maintenance now can save you from major damage—and even bigger headaches—down the road. So, are you storm-ready? Or could you knock a few of these items off your list this weekend?
Review Insurance Coverage
With today’s ever-changing insurance landscape, reviewing your homeowners’ policy at least once a year is one of the smartest things you can do. A quick audit now can help you avoid a major headache later, especially if a summer storm rolls through and you find yourself needing to file a claim.
Start by pulling out your insurance paperwork (or logging into your account) and make sure you understand the details. If anything feels unclear, give your provider a call and ask the questions now before you’re standing in a damaged kitchen trying to figure out what’s covered.
Here are a few key things to check:
- What type of roof coverage do you have? Actual cash value or full replacement? The difference matters.
- Know your deductible. Especially if you live in a high-risk area, your wind and hail deductible may differ from your standard one.
- Understand storm-specific coverage. Some policies exclude certain weather events or have special clauses, don’t wait until after the damage is done to find out.Check the process for filing a claim. Know how and when to report damage, and what documentation is required.
- Take photos of your roof and exterior now. Having “before” images can be a game-changer during the claims process.
- Keep digital and printed copies of your policy and your agent’s contact info in your emergency kit.
At CoMitted 365, it’s part of our job to talk to insurance companies. job. If you’re unsure what your current policy covers or need guidance during a claim, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to walk you through your options and even communicate directly with your provider to help ensure you get the coverage you deserve.
Create A Family Safety Plan
While our team cares about your home, we also know it’s what’s inside that matters most: your family. Having a clear, well-communicated safety plan ensures everyone knows what to do, where to go, and how to stay safe when a storm hits.
Here’s what to include:
- Designate a safe room, preferably a basement or interior room without windows.
- Practice storm drills, especially with young kids.
- Make sure everyone knows how to contact each other.
- Keep emergency contacts visible and accessible.
- Plan for pets and make sure carriers or leashes are ready.
A little preparation goes a long way in keeping everyone calm and protected. Write up the plan, discuss it with family, and place it on the fridge for everyone to see at a moment’s notice.
What To Do After a Storm: Inspection and Damage Control
Once the storm has passed and it’s safe to go outside, your first step should be a visual check of your property. But please avoid climbing on the roof or walking into flooded areas, leave that to the pros. If you call CoMitted 365 right away, we can assess the damage safely and thoroughly in a timely manner. While you’re waiting for us, check for:
- Missing, curled, or cracked shingles
- Hail dents on siding, gutters, or roofing
- Fallen limbs or debris on the roof
- Damaged or sagging gutters and vents
- Interior water stains or leaks
Next, file your insurance claim, but don’t go in alone. If your insurance adjuster is coming out, make sure someone from CoMitted 365 is there too. We’ll help ensure nothing is missed and advocate for the coverage you deserve.
Summer storms are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. A clear checklist (supplies before the storm, inspections and records after) can mean the difference between a weekend clean-up and costly repairs. This is your sign to update your plan, refresh your supply kit, and check your insurance coverage. Preparation keeps your family safer, protects your biggest investment, and brings peace of mind when the weather takes a turn.
And remember to give our team at CoMitted 365 a call if you have any questions. We offer FREE roof inspections and are always happy to help our customers when they need us. When we say 365 days a year, we mean it.