A Storm Is Coming: What Should You Do to Prepare for Bad Weather?

When severe weather is in the forecast, most homeowners think about batteries, water, and bringing the dog inside. But there's one step that gets overlooked almost every time — and it can make a real difference if your home ends up with storm damage: documenting your home's condition before the storm hits.

Here's what to do before the wind and hail roll in.

1. Document Every Side of Your Home

Before the weather turns, walk around your entire house and take photos of the exterior — all 4 sides and all 4 corners. Get clear, well-lit shots of your roof line, siding, windows, gutters, and any existing wear or damage.

Why does this matter so much? Because after a storm, insurance adjusters need to determine what damage was actually caused by the storm versus what was already there. Without a "before" picture, it's your word against theirs. With one, you have proof.

2. Get a Drone Roof Inspection Before the Storm

Your roof takes the brunt of most storm damage, and it's also the hardest part of your home to inspect yourself. A drone roof inspection before bad weather hits gives you detailed, dated photos of your roof's pre-storm condition — shingles, flashing, vents, and all.

If your roof does take damage, that pre-storm inspection becomes powerful evidence for your insurance claim. It's the difference between an insurance company acknowledging real damage and disputing whether it was there all along.

3. Secure Anything That Isn't Bolted Down

High winds turn loose objects into projectiles — and projectiles turn into more damage, more claims, and more headaches. Before the storm arrives, walk your yard and secure or store:

• Trampolines — tie them down with hurricane stakes, or chain them to a solid tree. A trampoline that isn't secured can travel yards (or through a window) in high wind.
• Patio furniture — bring it inside a garage or shed if possible, or at minimum, lay it flat and store it against a wall.
• Umbrellas — take them down and store them; an open or even closed patio umbrella acts like a sail.
• Patio heaters, planters, and decor — anything freestanding and lightweight enough to tip or blow should come inside.

A good rule of thumb: if it could move if you pushed it, wind can move it too.

4. Check Your Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters can't do their job when you need them most — heavy rain needs somewhere to go. Clear out leaves and debris so water drains away from your foundation instead of pooling.

5. Know Who to Call Afterward

Once the storm passes, don't wait to have your home inspected — especially your roof. Damage isn't always visible from the ground, and small issues (a lifted shingle, a hairline crack) can turn into bigger problems like leaks if they go unaddressed. If you already have pre-storm documentation, follow up with a post-storm inspection to compare and get ahead of any insurance claim you may need to file.

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Bottom line: A little preparation before the storm — a few photos, a drone inspection, and securing loose items — can save you real money and headaches after. If a storm has already come through your area, Gumtree Enterprises offers free drone roof inspections and estimates to help you document damage and hold your insurance company accountable for what they owe.

Your home. Our priority.