Bad Weather Preparedness: 5 Smart Steps to Stay Safe and Stress-Free

Are you ready for storm season? Now is the time to prepare for potential severe weather events.

Bad weather can disrupt your life in a heartbeat—plans get canceled, power goes out, and roads become dangerous. But here's the good news: you don’t have to be caught off guard.

The key to getting through these situations safely and with less stress is preparation.

At Advanced Exteriors, we believe that we don’t just build roofs—we build trust. Whether you’re facing high winds, hail, or sleet and snow, the first line of defense is a strong, reliable roof. That’s why preparing starts with a free inspection from the from one of our roofing specialist.

1. Stay Informed

It all starts with knowing what’s coming. Reliable, real-time information can mean the difference between reacting in panic and responding with a plan.

Use trusted sources like:

• Weather apps like AccuWeather, The Weather Channel, or Weather Underground

• Government services such as NOAA (U.S.), Met Office (U.K.), or your country’s meteorological authority

• Local news stations for region-specific alerts and road conditions

  
  

Bonus Tip: Set up automated weather alerts on your smartphone or smart speaker. These notifications can keep you informed while you're on the go or busy with other things.

2. Create a Weather Emergency Kit

When the power goes out or roads are blocked, having the right supplies can keep you safe, warm, and fed—especially if help takes time to arrive.

A well-stocked emergency kit should include:

• Non-perishable food and at least 3 days’ worth of water per person

• Flashlights, extra batteries, and phone power banks

• First aid kit and any essential medications

• Blankets, warm clothing, and personal hygiene items

• A manual can opener, multi-tool, and duct tape

• Pet food and supplies if you have animals

  
  

For your vehicle (especially in snow-prone areas):

• Jumper cables, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter (for traction)

• Ice scraper, extra blankets, bottled water, and a flashlight

• Emergency flares or reflectors

  
  

3. Secure Your Property

Severe storms can cause costly damage—but many risks can be reduced with simple preventive measures.

Before bad weather hits, take these steps:

• Clear gutters and storm drains to prevent water buildup

• Secure or bring inside patio furniture, grills, garden tools, and decorations

• Trim tree branches that hang over your roof or power lines

• Check and maintain sump pumps and seal windows and doors

• Inspect your roof for missing shingles or potential leak points

Pro Tip: Your roof is your home’s first defense against extreme weather. Call Advanced Exteriors today to schedule your free roof inspection—it’s the easiest way to identify and fix small issues before they become expensive problems.

4. Have Your Insurance Info Ready

If you experience damage, you’ll want to file a claim quickly and accurately. This involves having important documents on-hand and having Advanced Exteriors inspect your roof as soon as possible.

Stay organized with:

• Printed copies of your insurance policies stored in a waterproof folder

• Digital backups in a secure cloud service or password-protected app

• Photos and videos of your home and belongings, taken both before and after any damage

• A list of policy numbers and contact info for your insurer's claims department

  
  

Advanced Exteriors will assist with the inspection documentation needed for your insurance claim—just another way we build trust, not just roofs.

5. Stay Connected and Communicate

When cell towers go down and power lines are cut, staying in touch becomes more challenging—but it’s more important than ever.

Before the storm:

• Let friends or family know your location and safety plan

• Set up check-in times or a designated meeting point

• Make a list of emergency contacts and store it in your phone and kit

• Fully charge your phone and power banks; consider a solar charger or hand-crank radio

• Consider purchasing a generator of some kind to power essential electronic devices.

  
  

If you lose connectivity, know in advance where to find local shelters or emergency services.

Final Thoughts

Bad weather doesn’t have to catch you off guard. By following these five smart steps, you’ll not only protect your property and loved ones—you’ll also reduce stress and feel more in control during chaotic situations.

And remember—preparation starts with your roof. Call Advanced Exteriors today for a free roof inspection and peace of mind before the next storm rolls in. Because we don’t just build roofs—we build trust.