Preparing for Severe Summer Weather in Minnesota

Minnesota experiences most of its severe storm events in April-August every year, with some of these storms producing hail, heavy winds, and/or tornados, often resulting in home and property damage. Look at these 1980-2024 charts and stats from NOAA for more details on the severity. 

For homeowners, being prepared is crucial for the safety of you and your loved ones and minimizing financial impact. Let’s review some crucial tips to ensure you’re well-prepared for severe summer weather. We’ll also go over the insurance implications if you experience damage to the exterior of your house, especially your roof.

Living in Minnesota means that severe weather is a part of life. But we can’t live in fear – here are some essential steps you can take before, during, and after a storm!

• Create a Family Emergency Plan: Identify safe locations within your home, such as basements or interior rooms away from windows and doors. Make sure all family members are aware of this plan and have practiced it. Make sure you also practice bringing your pets into these safe spaces.                                                                                                                                                                                              
• Assemble an Emergency Kit: Your kit should include essentials such as a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, phone chargers, and non-perishable food and water. These items can be lifesavers during an emergency. The Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department prepared this handy printable guide with items to include.
  

• Secure Your Property: Keep your home prepared for summer storms by trimming overhanging branches, clearing gutters, and securing outdoor furniture. Installing steel doors and storm shutters can also provide added protection.
  

• Review and Update Insurance Policies: Ensure your insurance coverage is up-to-date and understand what your policy includes and does not include. Some storms can lead to significant financial losses, and having proper coverage is essential.

• Seek Shelter: Take your loved ones to your identified safe spot in the basement or an interior room away from windows and doors. If you are driving, pull over when it is safe, ideally into a parking garage or other covered shelter.
  

• Stay Informed: Keep your phone close by and charged for news updates. If you have a portable radio in your emergency kit, now is the time to use it.
  

• Use Your Emergency Kit: Have your emergency kit handy and ensure everyone knows its location.

• Safety First: Once the storm has passed, ensure it is safe to exit your home. Look out for hazards like downed power lines or unstable structures.
  
• Inspect and Document Damage: Conduct a thorough inspection of your property. Take photos and videos to document any damage, which will be crucial when filing an insurance claim.                                                                                                                                         
• Contact Your Insurance Company: Promptly contact your insurance company to report the damage and begin the claims process. 

Roof damage is a common consequence of severe storms. In years past, a single storm event could result in a whole new for many homeowners. However, in light of many recent changes in our state’s insurance system , Minnesota homeowners need to know what has changed and how that could impact them. 

Insurance companies have started shifting from offering full replacement cost to Actual Cash Value (ACV) for roof damage. This means that your policy might only cover the depreciated value of your roof, not its full replacement cost. For example, if your roof needs repair and the total cost is $10,000, your insurance might only cover $5,000-$7,000, leaving you to cover the rest.

The age of your roof will impact your coverage. Older roofs may not be fully covered. Insurance companies often provide full replacement value only for newer roofs (typically 5-10 years old). If you have an older roof, now may be the time to invest in a new one to ensure better coverage.

Another factor to keep in mind is whether or not the damage is purely cosmetic. Many policies now exclude coverage for cosmetic damages unless they impair the roof’s function.

The best-case scenario is that you’ll never experience significant damage. The second best-case scenario is that your insurance policy will cover all your damage. But it’s financially prudent to prepare for the worst-case scenario, which is experiencing damage without having full replacement insurance coverage. 

That’s why I recommend that if you cannot afford to replace your roof, start saving now. The likelihood of experiencing storm damage in Minnesota is high, and setting aside funds can prevent financial strain when repairs are needed. Establishing a dedicated savings account and contributing regularly, even in small amounts, can help you prepare for potential out-of-pocket expenses.  My wife and her team at Gretchen Rehm Financial have put together this helpful resource for building an emergency savings fund: How to Build an Emergency Fund.

Preparing for severe summer storms will minimize their impact on your family. You can protect your home and finances by following these steps and understanding your insurance implications. 

If you have any questions or need personalized assistance with your insurance policies, contact Rehm Insurance. Our independent agents are here to help you navigate these complexities and find the best coverage options for your needs. Call us today at (507) 345-3366.

Stay safe and be prepared. Your home’s defense against summer storms starts with you.