According to the extended forecast in the 2021 Farmers’ Almanac, this summer will be stormy, with a greater-than-average frequency of thunderstorms for a large portion of the country. Many of these storms will be strong, particularly over the eastern third of the nation. These summer rainstorms may be severe and spawn widespread tornadoes over the middle part of the country.  Portions of the Central and Southern Rockies and Great Plains could also experience higher-than-normal thunderstorm activity.

The Climate Prediction Center at NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,  is predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. For 2021, that means a range of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher) is expected.  Hurricane season extends through November 30.

Now is the time to prepare for a hurricane or other disaster by helping clients to review their insurance coverage.

It is estimated that nearly 50 percent of all Americans live within 50 miles of a coastline, many of whom are exposed to hurricanes. It’s important to encourage consumers to plan for a hurricane by keeping their homeowners insurance values up to date, purchasing flood insurance, and by having, and practicing, an evacuation plan. If a disaster strikes, families may have just minutes to gather other family members and important papers and get out of the house, possibly for good. With preparation and practice, families stand the best chance of getting out with what they need and ending up in a safe place. They should also consider sound risk control measures to better protect their home from windstorm losses.

WINDSTORM RISK CONTROL TIPS 

(The following risk control tips may be used on your agency website or in other client communications - compliments of IRMI and brought to you by the AIMS Society.)

Windstorm and hurricane losses account for an inordinate share of homeowners losses every year. In particular, people on the southeastern and central eastern seaboard and the Gulf Coast face substantial loss exposures to hurricanes and tropical storms. There are, however, steps you can take concerning your home that can reduce your exposure to these losses. These include risk control measures to four critical parts of your home susceptible to high wind damage -- the roof, windows, entry doors, and garage doors.

* Roof - The installation and design of a roof is a critical factor concerning protection from high winds and hurricanes. For example, the roof sheathing (the boards or plywood nailed to the roof rafters or

trusses) can fail during a hurricane if not property installed. If many of the nails have missed the rafters, additional nailing is necessary. The sheathing on your roof should comply with the current building codes. In wind-prone areas, many building codes require six nails per shingle rather than four. Adding screws between the nails can also provide reinforcement.  In addition, gables need to be tightly attached and reinforced to the frame walls.  Lastly, hurricane clips should be considered in hurricane-prone areas.  These clips help prevent mammoth winds from ripping the roof off a house.  The clips are made of galvanized steel and are used to connect the rafters to the roof at the top of the house and the bottom part of the house to a plate that is bolted to the slab. Properly installed hurricane clips enable your roof to withstand winds of up to 100 mph.

* Windows - One way to protect your windows is to install impact-resistant shutters over all large windows and glass doors. Not only do they protect your doors and windows from wind-borne objects, but they can also reduce damage caused by sudden pressure changes when a window or door is broken. An alternative is the installation of impact-resistant windows and patio doors.

* Entry doors - Solid wood or hollow metal doors are more effective in resisting high winds. They should have at least three hinges and a dead bolt security lock.

* Garage doors - Because of their width, doublewide garage doors are more susceptible to high winds than singlewide doors. Retrofit kits are available for doublewide garage doors. These can reinforce your garage door by installing horizontal and/or vertical bracing onto each panel.  Heavier hinges can also strengthen your home.

Adding value to the client relationship is a proven way to improve retention.  Providing tips like these add value!  Continue to watch the AIMS Society blog and use the AIMS online Academy for more valuable ideas to use in your client communications.