Severe Weather – May 2024

With spring storms looming on the horizon, businesses must take proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients and customers. From sudden storms to natural disasters, being prepared for the unexpected can make all the difference in mitigating risks and safeguarding lives.

Establish a Relationship with Your Insurance Agent

Damage due to severe weather in Nebraska can be very extensive. Pretty much anything related to your household, personal belongings, auto and farm machinery can be affected. The best way to prepare is to have a relationship with your agent and keep them informed on what coverages you may want and need.

Shelter Insurance (shelterinsurance.com) guarantees that their agents are by your side through the unknown. Some people buy a new home and just shop for the cheapest insurance they can find to keep their payments low. Without a good agent to explain the policies, you can find yourself in a bind once a claim happens. Cheap insurance often entails high deductibles and limited coverages.
Severe weather is unpredictable and oftentimes relentless in the summer. When the first storm of the season leaves some hail damage on your property, it may be best to wait it out before getting it fixed.

“Being impatient is what gets a lot of insureds into trouble. For example, after the first big hailstorm of the year many people have damage that needs to be repaired, but you do not want to jump the gun,” said Matt Moorhead of Shelter Insurance. “Now don’t get me wrong, emergencies need to be addressed immediately to prevent further damage, but if the damage is just cosmetic, it is sometimes better to wait. I tell my clients to find a good local reputable roofing company. If they are local, they more than likely already have dealt with Shelter before, and it will make things run more smoothly than with a company that just showed up that week. Shelter’s claims adjustors have a really good reputation with our Lincoln roofing companies and it makes things so much easier.”

Shelter Insurance is a Midwestern based company that has dealt with the people and weather in this part of the country since day one.

“We repeatedly get awards for our customer service for both our adjustors and agents. We have several agents in town that have been in the business for many years, and I myself have been an agent here in Lincoln for the past 23,” Matt said. “I make it a point to get to know my clients and make sure they understand what to expect from both me and my policies. I might not always be the cheapest in town, but I sell a great policy at a competitive price and I am confident that we will always do what is best for our clients.”
Shelter Insurance has weathered many catastrophic storms through the years including the Joplin Tornado in 2011; the Moore, Oklahoma tornado in 2013; Hurricanes Rita, Katrina and Laura and more recently, the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. At the core of the Shelter brand is the willingness to do the right thing. They have held steady and strong in times of crisis, helping customers and communities rebuild and thrive for the future. It is a promise which continues today and into the future.

1-800-Water-Damage

If water intrusion occurs in your home causing damage, it’s crucial to enlist the services of a reputable company for restoration. Consider starting with 1-800 WATER DAMAGE (1800waterdamage.com).

At 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, their dedication lies in restoring what matters most to you. Local experts utilize advanced equipment and techniques for property damage restoration in Lincoln and surrounding areas. Certified restoration professionals handle various types of damage including water, smoke, fire, sewage, and mold. Recognizing the urgency of water damage, they respond promptly to assess the situation and develop a tailored plan to clean, dry, and repair your property efficiently. Their objective is to restore normalcy as swiftly as possible.

The Lincoln team is equipped with expertise and cutting-edge tools to assess moisture levels, identify water types, extract excess water, and thoroughly dry your home. They adhere to Lincoln’s building codes, ensuring compliance while delivering effective restoration services.

“Our services go beyond water damage restoration to include mold remediation, sewage cleanup, professional carpet cleaning, fire/smoke restoration and much more,” explained Owner Jeff Carstens. “When strong weather events hit, we go into action quickly and the calls just keep coming. When we get a lot of rain quickly, we see lots of flooding into basements. We still have broken dishwasher lines, toilet overflows and sewage backups, but we deal with rain immediately and get people dried back out. If there’s an emergency, we’ve got you covered!”

Your initial action upon discovering water infiltration into your home or business should be promptly shutting off the main water supply. If the water intrusion is due to a storm, ensure outdoor drainage is directed away from your property, verify the functionality of your sump pump, and endeavor to minimize damage. However, if water is seeping through walls or floors, promptly contact 1-800 WATER DAMAGE to mitigate further damage.

“Moisture can enter your home in large amounts that affect everything,” Jeff said. “Damage can spread, and contents, walls, ceilings, trim and flooring can be ruined if not acted on immediately. Solid wood, carpet and stone usually are salvageable, but the rest generally will have to be torn out and redone if action is delayed. If you don’t take precautions—or if you notice water and don’t do anything—your price tag can change from a couple thousand dollars to $30,000 in claims quickly.”

Prioritize Premium Materials

Neemann & Sons (neemannandsons.com), a family-owned and operated company, has been dedicated to serving Lincoln and its neighboring communities for over four decades. Founded on principles of integrity and diligence, they treat their customers like family, prioritizing the use of premium materials in all their endeavors. Their extensive range of services encompasses roofing, gutter installation, siding, soffit, fascia, window replacement, and HALO Lighting. With a commitment to personalized solutions, they empower you to envision your ideal home while providing quality materials and expertise. Understanding the uniqueness of each project, they offer complimentary estimates, ensuring tailored attention to every detail.

“My biggest piece of advice is to ensure you are hiring local, reputable contractors that are insured and will be there after the storm,” advised Owner, Chris Neemann. “Hiring an unreliable contractor can result in costly expenses. If the contractor does not pay for your material, a lien can be placed on your home. Also, a workmanship warranty is only good if the contractor is still in business. If a contractor installs your shingles incorrectly, your shingle warranty could be void. But maybe the worst is that many homeowners don’t realize that there are some contractors that take money down and leave town without doing the project.”

With the onset of severe weather season, Chris advises homeowners to vigilantly monitor the condition of their gutters. If they’re not effectively draining, it could lead to potential water damage within the interior of your home and basement. Avoiding the financial burden of storm-related damage to both the inside and outside of your home is a priority for any homeowner.

“When choosing a contractor, it is a good idea to check online reviews, but even better to ask your friends, family or neighbors,” suggested Chris. “If you think it’s expensive hiring a good contractor, try hiring a bad one!”

With their wealth of experience and expertise, Neemann & Sons excel in identifying the root causes of home damage and devising effective solutions to halt ongoing issues and prevent further deterioration. When a storm strikes your home or business, they are the go-to experts to contact.

Your roof represents a significant investment, and if you’re contemplating repairs or replacements due to storm damage, fire incidents, or sudden malfunctions, Neemann’s roofing specialists are poised to offer tailored solutions to address your specific needs. The cost estimation for repairs is contingent on various factors, including the roof type, repair scope, and additional exterior features like chimneys or skylights.

Rest Assured When You’re Insured

When thinking about severe weather and being prepared, do not overlook the importance of insurance! Being insured can mean the difference between losing everything and staying afloat.

Ashley Freese, your local American Family Insurance (amfam.com) Agent says, “There are 3 easy steps to being prepared for Severe Weather:

Get an Emergency Kit Prepared including: nonperishable food & water, Battery powered or hand crank radio, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, copies of important documents like birth certificates, passports, deed/lease to home, insurance policies

Make a Plan: talk with your family or household members about what you should do or where to go in the event of severe weather.

Be Informed. Stay up to date on weather announcements in your surrounding area whether on your phone or the radio. Learn First Aid & CPR.”

Just like maintaining good insurance coverage, taking these steps will give you peace of mind that, should an emergency arise, you are prepared.

Fortify Your Exterior

Preparedness is not just about protection; it’s also about peace of mind. Sawyer Exteriors understands that homeowners need more than just physical barriers; they need assurance. That’s why their team of experts recommends being proactive when caring for the exterior of your home. With transparent communication and unwavering support, Sawyer Exteriors (sawyerexteriors.com) empowers homeowners to make informed decisions about their safety and security.

“When severe weather hits, your home becomes susceptible to damage. One small leak, unchecked can turn a small repair into a major renovation,” says Uriah Sawyer of Sawyer Exteriors. “Repairing any missing shingles, siding, soffit, or fascia before severe weather hits will help prevent further damage during a storm. What we also recommend even before damage occurs is to check with your insurance provider to better understand what types of storm damage are covered on your policy. In the event that you do have damage from a storm or otherwise, Sawyer Exteriors has you covered!”

Whether it’s reinforcing an aging roof or upgrading your siding, Sawyer Exteriors delivers custom-tailored strategies to safeguard the exterior of your home.

“We understand what is at stake and will work promptly to help you through the entire process. Give Sawyer Exteriors a call today for a free estimate!”

As we navigate the uncertainties of severe weather, let’s prioritize safety, preparedness, and resilience to weather any storm that comes our way. Together, we can build a safer, more resilient future for our businesses and communities.