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In the spring, Indiana weather can turn from calm to catastrophic in a matter of moments. Even though the weather is difficult to predict and impossible to control, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, protect your property and recover more quickly if a damaging storm does strike.  

As the executive director of claims at Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, I see how families and business owners are impacted by severe storms. Each spring, I hear individual stories and see the aftermath from a holistic viewpoint. Preparation can make a meaningful difference.  
 

Understand and review your coverage 

 
Commit to reviewing your coverages annually. You need to understand what your policy covers and what it doesn’t cover. Take a look at your current deductibles, exclusions and coverage limits to get a lay of the land. Since construction costs rise over time, make sure you have the right level of coverage to reflect current rebuilding costs. Being underinsured can leave you financially exposed when it matters most. 

Proactively protect what you can 

 
A little bit of maintenance and planning can go a long way. If you have loose shingles, siding or gutters, secure them while you can. Also, keep an eye out for tree branches that are dead, snapped or have grown too long. They can break or fall during high winds and cause damage to your property. 

Some things you can handle on the day of severe weather, as long as you’re paying attention. If you know hail is in the forecast and you have a garage, make sure you can park inside. If you enjoyed a cookout the day before storm warnings, don’t forget that your patio furniture and grill can become projectiles during strong winds. 

Make a list, check it often 

A lot of homeowners have a hard time remembering everything they own when a loss occurs. I see it all the time, and it can add to the stress of the situation. It is in your best interest to go room by room to document everything you own and note when the items were purchased. 

Talk with your agent about the best way to document your belongings. Some popular documentation methods include checklist documents, spreadsheet tracking, photo and video logs, or dedicated mobile apps. After a storm that causes significant damage, clear documentation can significantly speed up the claims process and help ensure that you’re compensated correctly.  

 
Stock up supplies 

Personal safety planning is the most important part of severe weather preparation. Make sure you know where the safest place to ride out the storm is in your home, typically a basement or away from windows in an interior room on the lowest floor. Keep a well-stocked emergency kit handy and fill it with essentials like water, snacks, flashlights and batteries, first-aid supplies and important documents. Also, make sure you have a way to stay informed about the weather, whether that’s your phone or a dedicated radio. 

Spring in Indiana can be one of the most beautiful seasons. I’m not urging you to expect the worst, but I do want you to be ready if severe weather strikes near you. These practical measures can help provide some peace of mind when the skies darken, and the sirens start shouting their warnings this spring.  

Darrin Walton is the executive director of claims at Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, an insurance company headquartered in Indianapolis with offices in all 92 counties. Walton is an experienced claims professional with more than 35 years in the field.