A northwest Houston homeowner, known only as Ms. Penny, is still grappling with the aftermath of a dramatic storm that left a tree perched on her house.
The incident occurred on Monday night during a powerful storm, which Ms. Penny described as surreal and shocking.
She was fast asleep when a thunderous boom jolted her awake.
“I thought it was a transformer or something. Then seconds later, my daughter ran downstairs, telling me the roof collapsed,” she recounted, still in disbelief about the whole event.
Upon investigating, Ms. Penny noticed that while the ceiling was intact at the top of the stairs, a portion of her game room—a place where her grandson frequently plays video games—was severely damaged.
Fortunately, her grandson was not in the game room at the time of the incident.
Ms. Penny quickly notified emergency services, and responders assessed the situation, advising her that it was too dangerous to remain in the house that night.
She turned to her insurance provider for assistance in navigating the challenging situation.
“This is one of those times where an automated system did not work. I needed a live person to talk to because my family was displaced last night,” Ms. Penny expressed.
She has lived in her home for three years, often contemplating the potential hazards posed by the pine trees on her property.
However, after this harrowing event, she made the decision to remove all of them.
The fallen tree was subsequently removed on Tuesday afternoon.
As stormy seasons loom, homeowners like Ms. Penny are urged to prepare their properties and insurance policies.
Richard Johnson, Director of Communications with the Insurance Council of Texas, emphasized the importance of being proactive ahead of hurricane season.
“Homeowners should start by reviewing their insurance policies, ensuring that all details are current, checking deductibles, and verifying suitable coverage,” he recommended.
Johnson stressed the relevance of flood insurance and the necessity of conducting a home inventory.
“Taking pictures of your belongings and maintaining a record of them could be invaluable in the event of damage,” he added.
He pointed out that in the Houston area and along the coast, homeowners might require specialized policies for wind and hail coverage beyond their typical homeowners’ insurance.
Homeowners should inquire about different coverage options, especially regarding deductibles for various damages such as fire, wind, and hail.
In instances where severe damage occurs, homeowners should also be cautious when seeking contractors for repairs.
Johnson warned that some less-than-honest contractors take advantage of crisis situations.
“Sometimes, deals could be too good to be true. Consult with friends, family, and reputable roofers for recommendations.
If a contractor suggests they can waive your deductible, that is a major red flag,” he cautioned.
As Ms. Penny continues to process her experience, she joins many homeowners who must now consider the potential dangers posed by storms and the necessary steps to protect themselves and their properties.
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