Preventative Measures to Minimize Future Storm Damage

Southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, southeast Missouri, and northwest Kentucky were struck hard by a powerful snowstorm on January 5, 2025. The storm brought everything to a standstill, with ice storms coating trees and power lines, and dumping up to eight inches of snow.

While the storm's aftermath continues to impact thousands, experts believe that the best way to handle storm damage isn't just to respond-it's to prepare.

That's why, right after the storm, we sat down with representatives from BELFOR Property Restoration, one of the industry leaders in storm cleanup and recovery services, to gather practical advice on how homeowners and businesses can better prepare for the inevitable storms ahead. Here's what they said:

"Strengthening your home's structure is the most critical first step in minimizing damage," shared one BELFOR storm restoration expert. "A weak roof or unsecured windows can turn a small storm into a major disaster, and the January 5th storm was a perfect example of this."

As so it happens, snow, ice, and severe winds were most damaging in places with poorer roofing systems. Homes without sufficient insulation, robust materials, or tight seals appear to be more vulnerable, allowing harsh weather to enter and quickly exacerbate the situation. BELFOR experts say that if the roofs in those areas had been reinforced with stronger materials and hurricane straps, the damage could've been much less severe.

Now, while high winds and debris are obvious threats, water can be just as damaging, especially during winter storms. Frozen pipes, clogged gutters, and water infiltration can all lead to major property damage.

"The ice storm from January 5th also caused flooding in several homes because of frozen, burst pipes," one of the BELFOR project managers shared. "The snow melt combined with clogged gutters and poorly sealed foundations added up to significant flooding."

BELFOR's experience also shows that waterproofing is an investment that pays off. Drawing parallel to when Hurricane Helena made landfall in Florida, one BELFOR representative shared with us that they had several clients whose homes were largely spared from severe flooding because of the preventative measures they had taken. "In that case, we had homeowners who'd ensured their gutters were clear, their foundations properly sealed, and had taken steps to prevent frozen pipes. And guess what? Their properties stood out in neighborhoods where homes with clogged gutters and vulnerable foundations suffered extensive water damage."

Among other useful advice, BELFOR representatives also suggested landscaping-or, precisely, trimming overgrown branches that hover over your roof or power lines. While seemingly simple, they insist this is one of the most effective preventative measures that can save homes from being crushed during a storm.  

Now obviously, there are plenty of other things people and businesses can do to minimize further storm damage that we haven't covered already, but as BELFOR so eloquently puts it: "No matter how much preparation you do, you can't predict every storm. Having an emergency plan in place is the smartest thing you can do, but at the end of the day, you know, there's always some level of risk".

In general, it appears that the best course of action for everyone is to ensure that your family is fully aware of what to do and where to go in the event of a crisis. And of course, you should also remember to have an emergency kit with supplies for first aid, non-perishable food, water, and flashlights in case something goes wrong.

In regard to that, a BELFOR spokesperson also shared: "During the storm on January 5th, many families found themselves scrambling to find basic supplies and warmth due to sudden power outages. However, houses who had prepared ahead of time fared considerably better during the storm." They had also pointed to southern Illinois as an example, where some homes had emergency supplies and solar-powered generators, keeping people safe and comfortable as the storm continued to rage outside.

As for the commercial sector, BELFOR observed that certain local businesses had comparable results. Those who had taken proactive measures, strengthening their buildings, securing their IT systems, and investing in backup generators, were able to recover much more quickly than others. And, by providing essential services, supplies, and charging stations, these companies swiftly turned into key community lifelines for families all over.

So, as you can see, whether we're talking the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helena or the widespread ice damage from the January 5th storm, preparation can make all the difference in reducing the long-term impact of nature's fury. But as BELFOR experts remind us, the ultimate goal is not just to repair and restore; it is to prevent and prepare. Because, when it comes to storm damage, being proactive is always better than being reactive.

About Belfor Property Restoration

With more than 130 offices across North America (and 32 countries worldwide) and more than 20 years of experience in storm recovery and cleanup, Belfor's expertise is unmatched. Having restored houses damaged by storms across the country, they are considered to be the number #1 insurance restoration firm in the United States, renowned for having a sizable inventory of equipment, fast response times, and a highly skilled workforce-all of which are essential for storm damage repair( visit website https://www.belfor.com/us/en/residential-services/storm-cleanup-and-recovery/) .

Whether it's board-up services, perimeter fencing, or complete property restoration, Belfor has the experience and resources to ensure that homes are fully restored and better prepared for future storms. "We're always ready to respond, no matter the size of the storm," says their representative. "Our goal is to restore homes and peace of mind."

BELFOR Property Restoration is here to help with the knowledge, resources, and experience necessary to keep your home safe. If you'd like to learn more about storm preparedness or need help with storm damage restoration, visit belfor.com today or reach out to our 24-hour emergency hotline at 800-856-3333. We're here to support you, no matter when disaster strikes.

Belfor Property Restoration
San Fernando Valley 27 W Easy Street Suite 403 Simi Valley, CA 93065
800 856 3333

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This release was published on openPR.