SEATTLE, Wash. – Wind, rain, and now snow – Western Washington has seen it’s fair share of winter weather this year. While you rely on your home to protect you and your family, once that storm passes, it’s time to repay the favor — identifying damage and protecting your home from further issues.

 The National Storm Damage Center has a number of resources and tips for homeowners. Here are four major things we here at Insurance Services Group recommend you check after a storm:

 1. Your roof: If you see holes, split seams or missing shingles on your roof or if you notice leaking inside or out, it’s a good idea to have a qualified inspector come assess the situation.

 2. Your exterior: Siding, brick and stucco are all vulnerable to storm damage. You’ll want to look for cracking, chipping or dings and dents in siding, and for holes in stucco. Look closely and at different times of the day. Some homeowners don’t notice damage until it’s too late to file a claim, and different lighting can reveal damage you didn’t see before.

 3. Driveways and walkways: Cracking and splitting can create safety hazards, as well as reduce the lifespan of the concrete.

 4. Trees: According to the National Storm Damage Center, fallen trees and limbs cause more than $1 billion in damage annually. Check roofs, vehicles, fences and machinery for fallen limbs that may have caused damage or could pose a risk. Clean up what you safely can and rely on a reputable tree removal service to handle the rest. Depending on the circumstances, your homeowners insurance policy may help with tree removal and damage repair costs – if you experience a covered loss, that is.

 A few more helpful tips:

• Keep trees well maintained and trimmed. Also notify neighbors if you see any overhanging branches on any of theirs.
• Know your insurance. Take a look at your policy so you know what’s covered, what your limits and deductibles are, etc. This will prevent any surprises during the claims process.
• Take pictures. Photographs can help you show the cause and extent of any storm damage that occurs.

Of course, if you’ve suffered through a major storm, don’t hesitate to call our team at Insurance Services Group for help with an insurance claim or with finding a professional property inspector.