Pennsylvania has become wetter than it used to be. Due to changing weather patterns, the average precipitation has increased between 10% to 20% during the last century, and it’s expected to increase by another 8% by 2050.

It has gotten warmer too. The state warmed up more than 1° F over the past 100 years. Even though that sounds minimal, that 1° helped contribute to an increase in severe storms. Pennsylvania’s rainstorms are more extreme than they were decades ago. A report from the nonprofit science communication group Climate Central says climate change is causing the heaviest storms in Pennsylvania and other northeastern states to drop 60% more rain than they did six decades ago.

So, with all that in mind, what can we do to protect our home and keep our family safe during the next downpour? Here are some important steps you can take:

Let’s start with your roof

Stop leaks and look for ways to seal your home.
Consider having your roof inspected.
Caulk windows and doors and ensure that they have weather stripping installed.
Ensure chimneys are hooded properly and are inspected for cracks.
Clean gutters and rid them of leaves and other types of debris that can cause water to overflow.

Look around your home for potential hazards or problems

Cut or trim low-hanging tree limbs that pose the danger of falling during rain and wind storms.
Inspect your property to spot areas that can lead to a drainage problem.
Secure outside furniture, garbage cans and any other property that can move during strong winds.
Should a power line go down because of rain or heavy wind, do not touch it and keep members of your household as far away from it as possible. Remember, a down live wire can electrify the soaking wet ground around it. Once you are in a safe location, dial 911 and then call PP&L at 1-800-342-5775 and say “downed power line.”

Be prepared should there be an emergency like a flood

Stock an emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries and important medicine.
Practice an evacuation plan and immediately evacuate if told to do so.
Prepare for power outages by charging cell phones and laptops. Should an outage occur, use flashlights instead of candles.
Consider buying sandbags to create a barrier to guard your home to prepare for a flood or storm.

At Enders, we’re part of the community and we are here for you. That’s what we do. Contact us today and let us know what your insurance needs are, and we’ll give you a call!