Fall in Nebraska can feel like a little bit of everything. Warm afternoons can quickly give way to cooler nights, windy days, thunderstorms, and the first hints that winter isn’t too far behind.
For homeowners, drivers, farmers, and recreational vehicle owners, it’s a good time to take care of a few seasonal tasks before colder weather settles in.
Here are seven things to put on your Fall checklist.
1. Look Over Your Roof After Summer Storms
Nebraska’s summer weather can be tough on roofs. Hail, high winds, heavy rain, and falling branches may leave behind damage that isn’t immediately obvious.
Take a look from the ground for missing or damaged shingles and other visible signs of trouble. If you suspect damage, consider having your roof professionally inspected.
Catching a problem now could help prevent water from finding its way inside during fall rain or winter snow.
2. Clean Gutters and Check Drainage
Once leaves begin to fall, gutters can fill up quickly.
Clear leaves, twigs, and other debris from gutters and make sure downspouts are directing water away from your foundation. Proper drainage becomes especially important as Nebraska moves toward freezing temperatures, snow, and ice.
3. Check the Trees Around Your Property
Strong Nebraska winds and weakened tree limbs aren’t a great combination.
Look for dead, damaged, or hanging branches near your home, garage, vehicles, barns, sheds, fencing, and other structures. If you’re concerned about a tree or large limb, have a qualified professional evaluate it.
4. Get Recreational Vehicles Ready for the Change of Season
Fall may still offer plenty of opportunities to use ATVs, campers, motorcycles, and other recreational vehicles. But it’s also time to start thinking about what happens when they’re parked for the season.
Before storing a recreational vehicle, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for winterization and storage. Choose a secure storage location and consider how the vehicle will be protected from Nebraska’s wind, hail, snow, ice, falling objects, theft, and other risks while it isn’t being used.
This is also a good opportunity to review your recreational insurance and understand what coverage remains in place during storage.
5. Prepare Your Vehicle for Shorter, Colder Days
Fall driving conditions can change quickly. Before colder weather arrives, check your tires, windshield wipers, lights, battery, and fluid levels.
It’s also a good time to put an emergency kit in your vehicle. Consider including a flashlight, blanket, phone charger, first-aid supplies, water, and other essentials you may need if you become stranded.
6. Take a Walk Around Your Farm or Acreage
If you live on a farm or acreage, your fall checklist may extend well beyond the house.
Look over barns, outbuildings, fencing, equipment storage areas, and other structures for damage or maintenance concerns. Secure items that could become hazards in high winds and make sure outdoor equipment is stored appropriately as the seasons change.
Your property and equipment may also change throughout the year, so let your insurance agent know about significant additions, purchases, or improvements.
7. Give Your Insurance a Fall Checkup, Too
When was the last time you actually reviewed your insurance policies?
A lot can change in a year. Maybe you bought a new vehicle, added a building, remodeled your home, purchased an ATV, acquired new equipment, or made another major investment.
Those changes may affect your insurance needs.
An annual insurance review gives you an opportunity to discuss what’s changed, ask questions, review deductibles and limits, and better understand how your policies may respond if something goes wrong.
Nebraska Weather Changes. Your Insurance Needs Can Change, Too.
You can’t predict everything Nebraska weather will bring this fall, but you can take steps to prepare your property before conditions change.
Fall is a great time to handle seasonal maintenance, put away summer equipment, prepare for colder temperatures, and make sure your insurance still reflects what you own and how you use it.
Nebraska Owner’s Insurance Agency in Albion serves individuals, families, farmers, and businesses throughout Nebraska. Our local agents can help you review your current coverage and understand the insurance options available for your home, vehicles, recreational vehicles, business, and more.
Have questions about your insurance before fall arrives? Contact our Albion office at 402-741-6800 to talk with a local agent.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the applicable policy. Speak with a licensed insurance agent for guidance regarding your specific insurance needs.