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Storms, hail, floods - due to climate change, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and can cause great damage to outdoor facilities. A weatherproof home is therefore indispensable, and the right behavior during storms prevents bad things from happening. Our insurance partner Baloise has put together 3 x 3 tips on how you can sensibly protect outdoor facilities such as swimming pools, retaining walls, stairs or paths. With these tips, you can protect your home from storm damage and yourself from the financial consequences of this damage.
The review of the year shows: Nature and its whims should not be underestimated. Time and time again, nature strikes with full force. The result is a trail of devastation and destruction. Heavy hail showers, thunderstorms and torrential rain lead to massive damage to outdoor facilities. In addition, there are storms and floods. Particularly affected are sun and lamella blinds, facades, pool covers, whirlpools and outdoor lamps. Thus, proper protection of your outdoor facilities is all the more important.
If you take natural disaster protection into account during planning, construction and renovation, you can save yourself a lot of trouble, damage and costs. At the same time, you invest in the long-term value retention of your property. In addition, the cost of good protection is often low if it is included in the planning from the outset.
Check your home regularly to prevent potential hazards from occurring in the first place. For example, clear gutters and downspouts of dirt and leaves to avoid clogged drains. Secure roof tiles with storm hooks and check chimney covers, antennas and satellite dishes for stability. Flat roofs also need to be checked again and again so that guy wires can be removed and sheeting can be continuously protected.
The choice of materials for outdoor furniture does not always correspond to optimal protection during storms. Garden furniture made of lightweight materials such as plastic or aluminum, for example, is practical to handle, but is particularly vulnerable in a storm; it is quickly caught by a gust of wind and can cause corresponding damage. When choosing materials for outdoor facilities, therefore, always consider possible storms and opt for products that are as robust as possible.
If a storm is imminent, you should immediately secure all moving parts outdoors. Flower pots, garden furniture, trampolines or garbage cans flying through the air pose a great potential danger.
If possible, it's best to bring outdoor items indoors for extra protection - but not into the basement. Underground spaces are particularly vulnerable during heavy rains and can quickly flood. Valuable items in particular should therefore be stored on higher floors rather than in the cellar.
Close all windows, shutters and doors. Retract or raise fabric blinds, awnings and external slat blinds. Window blinds should also be left open; this is especially important in the event of hail because it prevents dents and chipping. And also remember to roll up the pool cover.
After the storm, cleanup is on the agenda. Gather up any items that are lying around or washed up and go looking for damage. If anything on your property or house was damaged, document the damage with photos or videos and report it to your insurance company immediately.
But it is important: wait with repairs and do not act on your own. You may aggravate the damage and cause higher costs. Therefore, leave the repair work - after consulting with the insurance company - to the experts.
A storm mercilessly reveals the weak points of your safety measures. Use the moment to review your safety measures again and adjust them if necessary. This also applies to insurance coverage. The building's surroundings are often not or only insufficiently insured in the event of natural hazards. Baloise, for example, offers a special security module for the building environment. This provides optimal coverage for structural facilities such as swimming pools, retaining walls, stairs and paths, as well as special foundation layers and surrounding plantings in the event of the next storm.
