According to a 2025 report from Realtor.com, an estimated 26.1% of U.S. homes are exposed to at least one type of severe or extreme weather risk. Extreme weather can strike unexpectedly, resulting in costly damage to your home and putting your family’s safety at risk. While you can’t control the forecast, you can control how prepared you are for it.
Protect your home before the weather turns wild. Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to help protect your home from extreme weather, but it’s important to start the process before the storm season starts.
Be prepared with a plan: Extreme weather can cause power outages that last for days. Know evacuation routes and have an emergency communication plan that identifies a safe place to meet in the event that family members become separated. Keep important addresses and phone numbers readily accessible and identify a place where you can safely stay for an extended period of time, if necessary. In addition, assemble an emergency kit with the following items:
Food/supplies. Stock up on several days’ worth of nonperishable food and bottled water.
First aid/medicine. Be prepared for possible medical needs by having a first-aid kit.
Communication/safety items. Make sure your cell phones are fully charged. Also gather additional safety items, such as matches, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered AM/FM radio. Have copies of your driver’s license or identification card and other important documents.
Make sure your insurance coverage can weather the storm. Review all of your insurance policies to make sure that you have appropriate coverage for your property and belongings. Consider insuring your home and its contents to their full replacement cost, including any new additions, remodels, and furniture.
For more information on extreme weather preparedness, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website, ready.gov.
The information in this newsletter is not intended as tax, legal, investment, or retirement advice or recommendations, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek guidance from an independent tax or legal professional. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions. © 2026 Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.
