North Idaho Windstorm Preparation: Protect Your Home Before the Next Storm

This year, North Idaho has experienced some of the strongest and most damaging wind events we’ve seen in years. If you live in Sandpoint, Sagle, Cocolalla, or anywhere in Bonner County, you already know how quickly a calm day can turn into a powerful windstorm.

With towering pines, steep mountain terrain, and sudden gusts moving through the area, preparing your home before the storm is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of property damage.

The good news? You can complete a basic storm-preparation check in about 30 minutes.

Your North Idaho Storm Prep Checklist

1. Check the Trees Around Your Property

Trees are one of the biggest concerns during high-wind events, especially in North Idaho. Dead branches, weakened trees, or branches hanging over your home can become dangerous when strong winds move through the area.

Look for:

• Dead or broken branches

• Large branches hanging over your roof

• Trees leaning toward your home

• Trees growing close to power lines

• Signs of disease, decay, or damage

What to do: Remove hazardous branches when possible and have questionable trees evaluated by a qualified local arborist. Avoid attempting to remove large or dangerous branches yourself.

2. Secure Outdoor Items Before the Wind Arrives

Strong wind can turn everyday outdoor items into damaging projectiles.

Patio furniture, grills, umbrellas, trampolines, planters, decorations, and even loose pieces of lumber can be blown into windows, siding, vehicles, or neighboring property.

What to do: Bring loose items inside whenever possible. For larger items that cannot be moved, use appropriate anchors or tie-downs to secure them.

3. Clean Gutters and Check Drainage

Windstorms often arrive with heavy rain. If your gutters and downspouts are clogged with pine needles and leaves, water can overflow and collect around your home's foundation.

This can contribute to:

• Basement or crawlspace water intrusion

• Foundation drainage problems

• Roof and fascia damage

• Saturated soil around your home

What to do: Clean your gutters and make sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation. Check that drains and other areas around the property are free of debris.

4. Give Your Roof a Ground-Level Inspection

Your roof takes the brunt of a windstorm. You don't need to climb onto it to look for potential problems.

From the ground, look for:

• Missing or lifted shingles

• Loose metal roofing panels

• Damaged flashing

• Loose gutters

• Damaged siding

• Visible gaps or areas that appear out of place

What to do: If you notice something that doesn't look right, have it inspected before the next major storm. A small repair today may help prevent a much larger water-damage problem later.

5. Prepare for a Power Outage

Power outages can accompany major wind events throughout North Idaho.

Before the storm arrives, make sure your household is prepared.

Keep these items ready:

• Flashlights

• Fresh batteries

• Portable phone chargers

• First-aid supplies

• Emergency food and water

• Important medications

• Blankets and warm clothing

If you own a generator, test it ahead of time and make sure it is operated safely outdoors and away from doors, windows, and vents.

What to Do If a Tree Hits Your Home

Sometimes, even the best preparation isn't enough. If a tree falls onto your home during a storm, safety comes first.

1. Get Everyone to Safety

If the structure has been damaged, evacuate if it is safe to do so. Stay away from areas that appear unstable or damaged.

2. Watch for Downed Power Lines

Never approach or touch a downed power line or anything that may be in contact with it. Keep your family and pets away and contact the appropriate utility or emergency services.

3. Protect Your Home From Further Damage

Once everyone is safe, contact a professional restoration company as soon as possible.

Here at North Idaho Flood & Fire, we provide 24/7 emergency restoration services, including emergency board-up and tarping to help protect your home from additional weather damage.

Water can cause significant damage in a short amount of time. If rain is entering through a damaged roof, wall, window, or other opening, quick action can help limit the spread of moisture and reduce additional damage.

Don't Wait Until the Next Windstorm

North Idaho weather can change quickly. Taking a few minutes to inspect your property now could help prevent a much bigger headache later.

And if the unexpected happens, North Idaho Flood & Fire is here when you need us.

From emergency tarping and board-up to water mitigation, structural drying, and restoration, our team is ready to respond 24/7 throughout the North Idaho area.

North Idaho Flood & Fire📞 24/7 Emergency Response: (208) 263-1058📍 Serving Sandpoint, Sagle, Cocolalla, and surrounding North Idaho communities🌐 northidahofloodandfire.com