The Wichita Storm Preparedness Guide: Protecting Your Home from Severe Weather

Living in Wichita means embracing the unpredictable nature of severe weather. From powerful thunderstorms and destructive winds to the ever-present threat of tornadoes, our homes are on the front lines of what can be a truly formidable force of nature. For a homeowner, a severe storm is not a matter of “if,” but “when.” This reality makes storm preparedness not just a good idea, but an absolute necessity.

At Wichita Home Works, we have seen firsthand the devastating impact that a single storm can have on a home. A small, unaddressed issue can lead to catastrophic damage, proving that the most expensive choice is often the one to do nothing at all. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to protect your home before, during, and after a severe storm. We’ll focus on the most vulnerable parts of your home’s exterior—the roof, windows, and overall structural integrity—and provide a clear, actionable plan to safeguard your investment.

• The Reality of Wichita's Weather
  • Part I: Pre-Storm Preparations (The "Before" List)
• Window and Door Security:
• General Exterior & Interior Checks:
  • Part II: During the Storm
• During a Severe Thunderstorm:
  • Part III: After the Storm (The "After" List)
• FAQs: Your Questions About Storm Damage Answered
  • Should I repair or replace my roof after a storm?
  • Do I need a permit for a roof replacement in Wichita?
  • My neighbor's roof has damage, but mine looks fine. Could I still have damage?
  • What is the most important thing I can do to prepare my home for a storm?
• The Wichita Home Works Difference

The Reality of Wichita’s Weather

Wichita’s location in “Tornado Alley” means our homes are exposed to some of the most intense weather in the country. The statistics tell a powerful story:

• Tornadoes: Kansas averages 81 tornadoes per year, ranking second only to Texas in annual tornado frequency. The peak season for these storms is from April to June. While most tornadoes are F/EF0-2, we are no stranger to strong and violent tornadoes, such as the F4 that struck Haysville in 1999 and the EF3 that impacted Andover in 2022. (Source: NWS Wichita)
• High Winds and Hail: Wichita has recorded wind gusts over 100 mph, and our area is prone to severe hailstorms, with hail often reaching the size of a baseball or larger. These hailstones can cause extensive damage to roofs, siding, and windows in a matter of minutes.
• Insurance Claims: Wind and hail damage are the most common causes of homeowners insurance claims. In 2023, homeowners filed over 1.72 million claims for wind damage, accounting for 32.6% of all claims, with another 15.5% of claims for hail damage. (Source: ValuePenguin). This underscores just how prevalent these types of storm events are.

Part I: Pre-Storm Preparations (The “Before” List)

Proactive maintenance is your home’s best defense. Taking these steps before a storm is the single most effective way to minimize damage and avoid costly repairs.

Roof and Gutter Check:

• Inspect Your Shingles: Look for any missing, loose, or curled shingles. These are a primary point of failure during high winds. A simple repair now can prevent a full replacement later.
• Check for Cracks or Blisters: These are signs of a deteriorating roof that is vulnerable to water infiltration.
• Clear Your Gutters: Ensure your gutters and downspouts are free of leaves, twigs, and other debris. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and seep into your home’s foundation or attic. Make sure downspouts extend at least six feet away from your foundation.
• Secure Flashing: Check the metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for any signs of lifting or rust. This is a common entry point for water.

Window and Door Security:

• Inspect and Seal: Check the caulking around all windows and doors for cracks or gaps. A quick bead of exterior-grade sealant can prevent wind-driven rain from entering your home.
• Check for Broken Seals: Look for condensation between the panes of your windows. This indicates a broken seal, which compromises the window’s insulating properties and overall strength.
• Trim Trees and Limbs: This is one of the most important preventative measures. A professional tree trimmer can remove dead or weak limbs that could fall on your roof or home during a windstorm.

General Exterior & Interior Checks:

• Secure Loose Items: Bring in or secure any outdoor furniture, planters, grills, or trampolines that could become projectiles in high winds.
• Inspect Your Sump Pump: If you have a basement, ensure your sump pump is in good working order by pouring a bucket of water into the pit to test it.
• Locate Utility Shutoffs: Know where your main water, gas, and electrical shutoffs are. In an emergency, knowing how to turn these off could save your home from serious damage.

Part II: During the Storm

Once a storm is underway, your focus shifts from preparation to protection.

During a Tornado or High Wind Event:

• Seek Shelter Immediately: The safest place is in a basement, a storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest level with no windows.
• Stay Away from Windows: Windows are one of the most dangerous places to be during a severe storm. Flying glass is a major cause of injury.
• Listen to Local Authorities: Stay tuned to a local radio or TV station for updates and warnings. Do not leave your shelter until the all-clear is given.

During a Severe Thunderstorm:

• Unplug Electronics: Unplug major appliances and sensitive electronics to protect them from power surges caused by lightning.
• Stay Indoors: Avoid contact with electrical appliances or plumbing. The current can travel through these systems and cause injury.
• Close Windows and Doors: Ensure all windows and doors are tightly shut to prevent wind and rain from getting inside.

Part III: After the Storm (The “After” List)

The storm has passed, but the work is not over. The moments immediately following a storm are critical for damage assessment and mitigation.

• Safety First: Do not re-enter a damaged home until you are sure it is safe. Watch out for downed power lines, gas leaks, and unstable structures.
• Document Damage: Take extensive photos and videos of any and all damage. This is a crucial step for your insurance claim. Document damaged shingles, siding, broken windows, and any water damage inside.
• Secure Your Home: For immediate relief, place a tarp over any damaged areas on your roof to prevent further water infiltration. This is a vital step to mitigate the damage and show your insurance company you were proactive.
• Contact Your Insurance Company: Call your insurance agent as soon as it is safe to do so. They will guide you through the claims process. Do not begin permanent repairs until you have received approval from your insurer.
• Choose a Local Contractor: For any necessary repairs, it is essential to hire a local, reputable, and licensed contractor. A local company like Wichita Home Works understands the nuances of Kansas weather, local building codes, and how to work effectively with insurance companies. We are bonded and insured, and we pull all necessary permits.

FAQs: Your Questions About Storm Damage Answered

The Wichita Home Works Difference

At Wichita Home Works, we understand that your home is your most valuable asset. We are more than just a commercial roofing company; we are your local experts in all things exterior protection. Our team is dedicated to providing meticulous, high-quality work and clear communication every step of the way. When a storm threatens, you don’t have to face it alone. From pre-storm inspections to emergency repairs and full replacements, we are here to ensure your home remains safe and secure, no matter what the weather brings.

To learn more about a recent hail event in the Wichita area and its impact, watch this video: Baseball Size Hail Destroy Homes, Cars in Wichita. This video shows the chaos and destruction that can be caused by large hail in our community.

Nathan Svoboda President

I was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. I grew up around construction, remodeling, maintenance and all of that, my dad was one of those fix anything types and so we never called someone to come work on the house. I also was able to tag along with my dad when he had a job of his own to complete that had to do with construction or remodel or repair. Throughout high school and college I worked in the trades doing everything from carpentry to concrete in both residential and commercial applications. I also ran my own cabinet shop while in high school and college and knew that I wanted to work for myself and go out on my own in business, I graduated with a Bachelors of science in business administration and small busienss management in 2014. I met my wife Danielle while working maintenance for our churches summer camp, Danielle and her family were all from Wichita Kansas. After graduation I married Danielle and we moved to Wichita Kansas to start our own journey. I started Wichita Home works in 2015 with just one main floor kitchen remodel and one guy doing the work, it went very well and the rest is history. We built some key relationships along the way while learning and building wichita home works, we spun off quite a few businesses and divisions such as Integrity trade services, and complete concrete solutions, mainly out of necessity. We found it increasingly difficult to find trades that would live up to our high expectations and therefore we decided to do it ourself.

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General Contractor Master Plumber Realtor Team Lead New Construction Home Remodeling