Not all high wind events become hurricanes or tornadoes, yet some high winds can result in property damage—a headache for homeowners. Most modern homes can withstand gusts of up to 110 miles per hour1, but severe weather winds could be even stronger.
Homeowners can help mitigate certain losses caused by heavy wind or hail by preparing themselves and planning ahead. Below, you’ll find some preemptive measures you can take to avoid damage down the road.
How to Help Avoid Getting Blown Away by Property Damage
Survey your property and store anything that’s not bolted down. Barbecues and trampolines often take flight during storms. Larger patio items like these should be stored prior to a storm. Tool and storage sheds should be anchored to the ground with cables or chains2; smaller items like patio chairs, sports equipment and toys should be moved to a secure place indoors.
Check your yard for debris. Brittle tree branches, trees in need of pruning, and sick or dying trees at risk of falling can cause damage to your home or your neighbor’s. Trees can typically be disposed of by a professional tree removal service3.
Check your home’s exterior for wear and tear. Detached weather stripping on windows and doors, loose hinges, loose rain gutters, thinner barriers like garage doors, roof tiles and shingles could leave your home vulnerable to high winds. Note any visible wear and tear and consider making repairs. Consider making ongoing maintenance a habit to help catch serious problems early.
Have an emergency kit stocked with three days of supplies. Keep enough food, water, batteries, cash, medications to last up to three days, a flashlight and a first aid kit in an easily accessible area. During winter, you may want to keep your snow shovel or snow blower readily available so you can clear packed snow that has blown against your home, which could block ventilation areas.
Review your homeowners insurance policy. Hippo’s severe weather survey found that less than a third of homeowners review their homeowners insurance policy to understand their severe weather and storm-related coverage. It’s recommended that homeowners review their homeowners insurance policy annually. This helps you make sure you have enough coverage, especially in the case where you need to replace belongings damaged or lost to high winds or hail. Certain collections, antiques and other valuables may require additional coverage. Homeowners may want to also discuss their risk for high winds and other extreme weather events with their insurance agent, who could suggest additional coverage.
When High Winds are Imminent
There are many resources available to check for extreme weather, including The National Weather Service, and your local news broadcasts. These sources may also provide specific tips and real-time information for residents in affected areas, ranging anywhere from ways to quickly secure your home to processes for reporting downed power lines and trees.
If there’s an official wind advisory in your area, turn your attention to the interior of your home, moving breakable and valuable items away from windows and smaller items to secure areas. If winds are expected to be strong enough to knock out power temporarily, consider reducing the temperature of your refrigerator and putting refrigerated items in the freezer to help preserve food a bit longer. A battery-powered radio can help you stay informed if your home loses power.
Take note of where you keep your homeowners insurance policy, as you may want to reference it after the storm.
Assessing the Damage After the Storm
Should you need to file a claim, the first step is to contact your insurance company immediately.
Describe the damage to your insurer, who will have an insurance adjuster assess the damage. You will need to determine whether the damage exceeds your deductible. Based on the claims information, you can make the best determination on how to move forward with the claims process.
If the assessed cost of the damage exceeds your deductible, fill out any claim forms as soon as you receive them to help expedite the repairs process. Carefully read the details of your policy in regard to required specifications your insurer may have for rebuilding or repairing. There may be details regarding which contractors, landscapers, architects, debris removal services and other professionals your policy will cover.
Similarly, additional living expenses may be covered under your policy, so make sure you know the details and limitations of these allowances.
Like all weather-related phenomena, severe winds cannot be controlled and can change unpredictably, but you can take action before disaster strikes. Learn more about homeowners insurance options where you live today.
Sources
- Rapid Response Remediation. (2025, November). What is a Dangerous Wind Speed?
- South Country Sheds. (2025, January). How To Anchor a Shed
- Abbott Tree Care Professionals. (2024, October). How to Deal with a Dead Tree In Your Yard
