Securing Your Home Against Cloudbursts and Storms

Securing Your Home Against Cloudbursts and Storms

Make sure to protect yourself financially by getting insurance coverage

What are you capable of doing on your own?

Please remember to document the damages

Here are some tips on how to prevent storm damage

General prevention

• Check for loose roof tiles, roof sheets or other defects.
• Check that windshields, scaffold boards, shutters or other building parts are correctly attached.
• Prune your trees to avoid large branches that can fall and cause damage.

Before the storm

• Please ensure that any loose objects from your garden or balcony are cleared, particularly garden trampolines, which can cause significant damage if not appropriately secured. If possible, tie down the trampoline to prevent accidents.
• Lower the flagpole.
• Park your car away from large trees and other obstructions, such as in a parking lot or private garage.

After the storm

• Is the roof damaged? For example, it could be missing roof tiles. If so, it is advisable to cover the roof to prevent water from getting in.
• If your windows are damaged, cover them with wooden boards, plastic, or anything else that can keep wind and water out.
• In the event of a power failure, check your freezer and relocate any items to the freezers of friends or acquaintances with available power and space.
• Move furniture and other belongings from areas where water may enter.
• Your insurance does not cover damage caused by fallen trees. However, if they have damaged your home or car, you must report the damage to the insurance company.

Here are some tips on how to avoid damage from cloudbursts

General prevention

• Clean gutters, downpipes, and outdoor grates to remove debris that can cause blockages.
• If necessary, dig a trench around the house to ensure proper drainage away from the home.
• Install a drain if water seeps through the wall or comes up through the sewer.
• Consider adding a pump if a well on your property collects rainwater and wastewater.
• If your basement has wall-to-wall carpeting, consider removing it, as it can exacerbate damage and hinder drying.

Just before a cloudburst

• Feel free to ask others to watch your home and basement while away.
• Make sure all doors and windows are closed and properly sealed. As an added precaution, consider installing a plate with sealing strips in front of doors and windows.
• If there's a risk of water rising from the drain, cover it with plastic and sandbags.
• Likewise, stop the toilet to prevent water from rising.
• Clear the basement floor of essential items and store them on shelves. You can use waterproof plastic containers for this purpose.

After a cloudburst

• Please gather your belongings and let them dry before reporting any damage. Remember to keep the damaged items and take photos of them if you wish to request a replacement.
• It's essential to wear rubber boots, gloves, and other protective gear during the clean-up process, as the water may be contaminated.
• Use a pump to remove the water and eliminate the moisture with a dehumidifier. If your insurance covers the damage, it will also cover reasonable expenses for drying.
• After removing the water, increase the heat in the affected area and ventilate it every 5 minutes until the moisture is gone. Keeping doors and windows open when someone is home can also help reduce humidity.

Remember to report storm damage or cloudbursts to Tryg