Make a Plan for Severe Weather Damage Repairs

April 13-17 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. Whether it is a summer flood, winter blizzard, a spring hailstorm, or another weather event like a tornado or windstorm, severe weather strikes quickly and often without warning. That’s why it is important for consumers to create a plan for what to do when their home or vehicle is damaged.

A great place to start is by creating an emergency kit which includes important items recommended by Ready Wisconsin (readywisconsin.wi.gov). Then take it a step further by including critical information like personal, financial, insurance, medical, and other records that can be grabbed quickly and brought along in case a consumer cannot safely enter their home for an extended period. Also, so you can be responsive to a situation rather than reactive, consider including:

· A list of trusted local resources that may be needed for repairs (including their contact details), such as home contractors and auto body shops.

o Do this research in advance, before it’s urgent. Start by asking for contractor and auto shop recommendations from friends and family. Then, check for complaints against a business with the Consumer Protection Hotline.

· A copy of DATCP’s Emergency Home Repair Tips fact sheet.

· A copy of DATCP’s Motor Vehicle Repair Tips fact sheet.

· A copy of DATCP’s Liens fact sheet.

More resources for disaster and emergency preparedness can be found from Wisconsin Emergency Management (wem.wi.gov) and the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (oci.wi.gov).