Prepared for the Storm, Confident in the Season

April brings more than spring flowers to Oklahoma. Severe weather, including hail, damaging winds, lightning and tornadoes, can also occur. But we don’t have to be afraid! Let’s see ourselves as prepared, not as potential victims. A few simple steps now can make a big difference later.

Apply for the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program

First, let’s talk about protecting your most valuable asset. The Strengthen Oklahoma Homes (SOH) Program is open to homeowners statewide. You could qualify for a $10,000 grant to fortify your roof, reduce the impact of events, and save on insurance. Homeowners are seeing an average annual premium savings of almost $800! Get started by visiting oid.ok.gov/okready. Review qualifications, gather documents, and apply. Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your resilience before severe weather strikes.

Build or Update Your Home Inventory

Having an inventory on hand will save you time if you need to file a claim. You can use a physical inventory. I highly recommend downloading the app from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Document your home and belongings by taking photos and videos and writing down serial numbers. If you opt for a physical inventory list, scan it, keep a physical copy in a safe place, and upload a digital copy to a secure cloud service.

Create or Refresh Your Home Safety Plan

If you don’t have a home safety plan, create it. Update your current plan if you have one. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive alerts and that your emergency contacts are up to date. Designate your safe places for different disaster scenarios, such as tornadoes, floods and wildfires. Take this opportunity to clean out your storm shelter. Don’t forget to factor in your loved ones’ unique needs.

Pack Your Go-Bag

For your go-bag, have copies of important documents, identification, insurance policies, cash, nonperishable food and water ready to go. Pack safety items like masks, gloves, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, a phone charger, and a power bank for electronic devices. When watches or warnings are issued, add clothing and any last-minute necessities so you’re ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

Review Your Insurance Policies

Take time to understand your policy. Know your deductible and whether your home is covered for actual cash value or replacement cost. Talk to your agent about whether your coverage reflects today’s rebuilding costs. Depending on where you live, you may also need separate flood or earthquake coverage.

Severe weather season is here, but preparation puts you in control. If you need help with insurance questions or claims, please reach out to the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) at oid.ok.gov or at 800-522-0071. For additional preparedness information, head to oid.ok.gov/GetReady.