Making Cents: Save some money with storm preparation

This first week of autumn is a good time to get yourself prepared for any weather-related calamities to your home or yard that rain, snow, wind or hail might bring.

Start by checking your insurance coverage. Make sure that your limits are adequate to protect against major losses and that it will pay for the replacement cost of any losses, including a total loss. Pay special attention to limits for floods or damage from trees.

Also, be sure that you are comfortable with the amount of coverage that you have on your contents especially any valuable art or other collectable items.

Consider taking an inventory of your contents both in list and photo format including photographing any special features such as rare wood or other unique hard-to-replace features.

Next, take a walk around the yard. Look at the house for loose shingles, gutters, roofs or anything else attached to the home that may be damaged by high winds or snow and ice. Also take a look at the trees to be sure that you are not one big gust away from a hole in the roof or a loss of power from fallen limbs.

After the leaves have fallen, make sure your gutters are cleaned to prevent ice dams. For any north-facing roofs with clogged gutters, ice dams may ruin a lot more than your interior paint job.

If you are prone to power outages, look at the cost of installing a small generator to keep the essentials working or have a power outage plan regarding what you will do in the event of an extended outage. Consider an alternate form of heat such as a wood stove that may keep your home warm enough to prevent frozen pipes.

With shorter days also on the horizon, check your outdoor lighting. Whether you are leaving for work before sunrise or getting home after dark, it sure makes it easier when you have some lighting to avoid bumping around in the dark.

Get a jump on buying supplies that cause lines at the store. This may include the traditional water and other food staples but also items like flashlights and batteries. And get that snow blower tuned up and out of the shed before you need it.

Have all of your mechanical systems in the home checked or tuned up. If you need any repairs such as hot water heaters, windows or home furnaces, make sure that you inquire about energy saving products that may give you some tax relief. You would need to have these items installed before the end of the year to enjoy any tax relief.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. John Napolitano is a registered principal with and securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. He can be reached at 781-849-9200