MARSHFIELD, WI – With severe storms, including tornadoes, hail, and heavy rain, expected to impact the region, proactive preparation is crucial to protect homes, vehicles, and families. Marshfield Insurance, a leading local provider, offers expert advice to help residents safeguard their properties and streamline recovery. Nick Arnoldy, Owner/Broker at Marshfield Insurance, emphasizes the value of readiness to mitigate storm-related risks.
“Severe storms can strike with little warning, but preparation can make all the difference,” Arnoldy said. “Taking these steps now can protect your property and ensure you’re ready for any claims process.”
Marshfield Insurance shares ten essential steps to prepare for severe storms:
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Review Your Insurance Policy: Confirm that your homeowners and auto policies cover wind, hail, and tornado damage. Ask about optional coverages, such as flood insurance or sewer and drain backup. “Understanding your coverage and deductibles upfront is key,” Arnoldy noted.
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Create a Home Inventory: Document belongings with photos or video, focusing on high-value items. Store this inventory digitally in the cloud or with Marshfield Insurance for easy access during claims.
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Strengthen Your Property: Trim trees near your home, secure outdoor items like patio furniture, and consider storm shutters or impact-resistant roofing materials to reduce damage risks.
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Prepare an Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit with water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, blankets, and important documents. Include a battery-powered weather radio for tornado alerts.
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Designate a Safe Room: Identify a basement, storm shelter, or interior room on the lowest floor without windows for tornado safety. Practice tornado drills with your family to ensure readiness.
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Maintain Your Sump Pump: Test your sump pump annually and install a battery backup to ensure it functions during power outages. Clear drainage systems to prevent clogs and flooding.
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Install Surge Protectors: Use surge protectors for electronics and consider a whole-home surge protector to guard against lightning-induced power surges.
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Monitor Weather Alerts: Download a weather app or use a NOAA weather radio to stay informed about severe storm and tornado warnings. Sign up for local emergency alerts for real-time updates.
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Secure Important Documents: Store insurance policies, IDs, and property deeds in a waterproof, fireproof safe or digitally with Marshfield Insurance to protect them from storm damage.
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Plan for Evacuation or Shelter: Know your community’s tornado shelter locations and evacuation routes. Keep your car fueled and your emergency kit portable in case you need to leave quickly.
Arnoldy underscores the importance of acting before storms hit. “These steps can minimize damage and give you peace of mind,” he said. “Our team is here to help review policies and answer questions to ensure you’re fully prepared.”
Marshfield Insurance encourages residents to take these precautions now to safeguard their homes and families. For policy reviews or additional guidance, visit their website or contact their customer service team.
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Author: News Desk
This piece was posted by our news team! Contact us or submit stories at news@onfocus.news.
