All across the Kansas City metro area, June marks the height of storm season. From heavy rains and hail to strong winds and tornadoes, summer storms in the Midwest can cause serious damage to homes and properties in a matter of minutes.
At PuroClean of Olathe, we specialize in helping homeowners recover from storm damage but we also believe that prevention is the best protection. In this guide, we’ll share practical, expert-approved tips to help you prevent storm damage, plus step-by-step advice on what to do if your home is hit by a storm.
Why Storm Damage Is a Major Concern in June
Kansas and Missouri see some of their most severe weather between May and July, including thunderstorms, hail, flash floods, and even tornadoes. During this time, homes are vulnerable to:
- Roof leaks or collapse from heavy rain and hail
- Broken windows and siding from flying debris
- Flooded basements due to poor drainage or sump pump failure
- Downed trees damaging roofs, vehicles, and fences
- Power outages that lead to water damage or electrical hazards
Proactive steps now can save you thousands of dollars—and weeks of stress—later.
How to Prevent Storm Damage: 10 Tips to Protect Your Home
1. Inspect and Maintain Your Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense. Regular maintenance helps it withstand high winds, hail, and heavy rainfall.
What to Do:
- Check for loose, curling, or missing shingles.
- Look for signs of wear around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
- Have a professional roofer inspect your roof at least once a year, especially before and after storm season.
- Install impact-resistant shingles if replacing your roof.
✅ Pro Tip: Keep a recent photo of your roof for comparison in the event of damage.
2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters can cause rainwater to back up under shingles or spill over and pool around your foundation.
Prevent Water Damage by:
- Clearing gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris at least twice a year.
- Making sure downspouts direct water at least 5 feet away from your home.
- Installing gutter guards to prevent future buildup.
3. Trim Trees and Secure Outdoor Items
High winds can turn tree limbs and patio furniture into dangerous projectiles.
Before a Storm:
- Trim back dead or overhanging branches, especially near your roof or power lines.
- Secure or store outdoor furniture, garden tools, and trash cans.
- Avoid planting large trees too close to your home.
🌳 Tree Tip: If a tree is diseased or leaning, call a certified arborist to evaluate whether it needs removal.
4. Reinforce Windows and Doors
Windows are especially vulnerable to breakage during hailstorms and high winds.
Protection Options:
- Install impact-resistant windows or storm shutters.
- Use reinforced garage doors to reduce pressure buildup that can lift roofs.
- Add weather stripping and sealants to keep moisture and drafts out.
5. Check Your Foundation and Basement
Heavy rains can lead to flooded basements and foundation cracks.
Prevention Tips:
- Fill in cracks in your foundation with hydraulic cement or waterproof sealant.
- Ensure grading slopes away from your home.
- Install or test your sump pump it should eject water away from your home quickly.
- Consider adding a battery backup system in case of power outage.
6. Inspect Your Attic and Insulation
Storms often create condensation or minor leaks that go unnoticed—until mold starts to grow.
Stay Ahead of Moisture Issues:
- Look for water stains, mold, or damp insulation in the attic.
- Ensure your attic is well-ventilated.
- Check for pests that may have damaged roof decking or insulation.
7. Install a Whole-House Surge Protector
Lightning strikes during summer storms can cause power surges, frying electronics and even starting electrical fires.
Protect Your Electrical System by:
- Installing a whole-house surge protector at your electrical panel.
- Using high-quality surge strips for valuable electronics like TVs and computers.
⚡ Bonus Tip: Unplug appliances during severe lightning activity if safe to do so.
8. Keep Emergency Supplies and Documents Ready
While this won’t prevent damage, it can make recovery much easier.
Essentials to Have on Hand:
- Flashlights, batteries, and a portable phone charger
- First aid kit
- Important documents (insurance policies, home inventory list) in a waterproof container
- Bottled water and non-perishable food
9. Review Your Insurance Coverage
Before disaster strikes, make sure your homeowners insurance is current and adequate.
Double-Check That You Have:
- Coverage for wind, hail, and water damage
- Separate flood insurance, if needed (not typically covered under standard policies)
- Up-to-date photos or video documentation of your property
10. Prepare a Storm Plan for Your Family
Knowing what to do and where to go in the event of a storm is critical for safety.
Include in Your Plan:
- A designated safe room or shelter
- Emergency contacts and meeting points
- A communication plan in case cell service is down
📱 Sign up for weather alerts from the National Weather Service or local authorities.
What to Do If Your Home Has Storm Damage
Despite your best efforts, nature can be unpredictable. If your home suffers storm damage, taking the right steps quickly can minimize further damage and get your restoration process started smoothly.
1. Stay Safe
- Avoid downed power lines and damaged structures.
- Turn off electricity if there’s standing water or exposed wiring.
- Don’t walk through floodwaters unless necessary—it could be contaminated or electrically charged.
2. Document the Damage
Take detailed photos and videos of all affected areas, including:
- Roof and siding damage
- Broken windows and doors
- Water intrusion or flooding
- Damaged personal belongings
📸 Visual documentation is critical for your insurance claim.
3. Prevent Further Damage
Your policy may require you to take reasonable steps to protect your home from additional damage.
Do This Immediately (if safe):
- Cover broken windows with plastic or plywood.
- Place tarps over roof leaks.
- Move undamaged belongings away from water or vulnerable areas.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the damage as soon as possible. Ask your insurer about:
- Next steps for filing a claim
- Whether you can hire your own restoration company (you can!)
- What your policy covers (e.g., temporary housing, personal items, debris removal)
5. Call PuroClean of Olathe for Restoration Help
At PuroClean of Olathe, we offer 24/7 emergency response for storm-related damage. Whether you’re dealing with flooding, roof leaks, or mold growth, we’ll respond quickly, assess the situation, and begin mitigation to prevent further issues.
Our services include:
- Water removal and structural drying
- Roof tarping and board-up
- Mold remediation
- Debris cleanup and odor control
- Content restoration and packing services
We work directly with your insurance company and take care of all documentation, so you can focus on getting life back to normal.
📞 Call us anytime at (913)353-8300
🌐 Or visit us online at www.puroclean.com/olathe-ks-puroclean-olathe/
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for the Storm
Storm season in Kansas isn’t a matter of if, but when. By following these prevention strategies now, you’ll protect your home from the most common types of storm damage and recover faster if disaster does strike.
And remember if your home is damaged, PuroClean of Olathe is here to help 24/7 with expert cleanup, restoration, and compassionate care.
We help homeowners. We help business owners. We help people get their lives back after disaster strikes.
We listen. We act fast. We deliver property restoration after a disaster.
Need help now? Fill out a form here or call us 24/7 at (913) 353-8300.
We’re here to help you recover from water, fire, mold, and biohazard damage—quickly and with care.
