Prevention tips for spring storms | PEMCO

We've all heard the saying that April showers bring May flowers...but where's the catchy adage that warns of March's unpredictable storms?

Many areas of the Pacific Northwest may be under a storm watch this week as an unusual combination of pressures make for a perfect "storm" of extreme weather.

If your area is faced with the potential heavy rain, damaging hail, high winds, and more, there are some prevention steps you can take ahead of the storm to help protect your home and your car from damage.

Here are the most important things to do before, during, and after a storm – and how PEMCO will be with you when you need us most. 

What to do before a storm 

1. Unplug sensitive electronics like computers and TVs that can be damaged in power surges. If your surge protectors are more than two years old, it’s time to replace them.  

2. Check your supply of medication, baby formula and non-perishable food. Try to keep at least three or four days’ worth. Make sure you have bottled water on hand, too.

3. Park in the garage. This will protect your car from falling branches, large hail, and unsecured items like garbage cans and patio furniture that can go airborne in high wind. 

4. Secure awnings, canopies, patio furniture, barbecues, and anything else that could potentially blow away or get knocked around during heavy wind and damage your home or car. 

5. Charge devices, replace flashlight batteries, and fill up your car with gas, just to be safe. While some gas stations have emergency power, others are unable to pump if the electricity is out. 

See our full list of what to do before a windstorm. 

What to do during a storm 

1. Don’t drive. Every year, we receive tragic reports of drivers injured – or worse – when a tree crashes down on their car during heavy winds. If you have no choice, avoid wooded routes and treat dark stoplights as four-way stops.

2. Sleep on the ground floor. That’s safer than sleeping in a second-story bedroom in case a tree falls on your roof. If you live in a one-story home, sleep on the side of the house with the fewest trees or away from the direction of prevailing winds. 

3. Stay away from downed power lines. Even if the power is out in your neighborhood, the line could be re-energized if part of the grid is restored. If a power line falls on your car, here’s advice from Puget Sound Energy on what to do. 

4. Bring pets inside. If your pet gets nervous during the storm, try moving them to a room (like a basement or bathroom) that doesn’t have a window.  

What to do after a storm 

1. Don’t try to repair anything until the storm has truly passed. 

2. Use caution with alternate heat sources. Never use propane heaters, camp stoves, or barbecues indoors. If you have a generator, make sure it’s safely connected and not overloaded.  

3. Get people and pets out if you smell natural gas or hear a hissing sound. Here’s how to shut off the gas in an emergency. 

4. Conserve your cell phone’s charge if the power is out. Switch to low-power mode and close unused apps. If you don’t need to make calls or send and receive messages, consider switching to airplane mode, which conserves even more. 

Is my home or car prone to damage from hail?

While large hail is not common in the Pacific Northwest, hail can be present with any thunderstorm, which mean it can happen anywhere. When hail hits, not only can it dent your car and even destroy your windshield, but it can shred your roof and lead to water damage throughout the interior of your home. It can cause significant havoc!

Here are specific prevention tips for hail storms:

1. If you're driving and the hail is significant, slow down and pull fully off the road when it's safe. Consider parking in a covered area (like a parking garage) if there's one nearby.
2. If you're in your vehicle, stay away from your car's window and/or windshield. The hail could damage the glass.
3. If you're home, make sure to park your car in a garage or carport. If neither are available, consider covering your car with moving blankets. Even floor mats or rugs can help protect your windows.
4. At home, secure outdoor items or bring them inside.
5. If you have enough warning before the storm, check up on your roof and ensure it's in good shape. Your roof is your home's first line of defense!

How can PEMCO help if my home or car is damaged? 

Damage to homes after windstorms and large hail are some of the leading causes of homeowners claims. 

Reach out for help as soon as you notice damage to your home or vehicle. You can report a claim to PEMCO 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling 1-800-GO-PEMCO or signing on to your online account. 

Even if a claims expert isn’t available on the spot, someone will contact you promptly to discuss your claim. We’re here to help, and we'll be with you every step of the way.