Ice dams occur when snow on a building roof begins to melt as heat escapes from inside the building. The melting snow water runs down the roof into the gutters…
Prepare for severe weather before it happens.
Storms can happen without warning, as in the case with a tornado or flash flood, or they can be forecast, which provides some time for planning and preparation. The information on this page is intended to help you prepare for storms in advance, when possible, and also provides links to helpful resources you might need in the unfortunate case of a severe weather-related disaster.
Flood Insurance
A homeowners insurance policy DOES NOT cover damage caused by a flood. Visit www.FloodSmart.gov, the official site of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), to access the resources needed to determine if your residence is in a flood zone and to find an agent near you that offers flood insurance.
Latest Storm Warnings and Updates
- Visit the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA)
Pennsylvania Residents
- View state-wide conditions from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA)
Disaster Information
- Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Web site to monitor conditions in your area
Maryland Residents
- View state-wide conditions from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
How to Care for Your Home and Property Before and After a Storm
Click on a topic below to learn more about how to protect yourself, your family, and your property–before, during, and after a storm.
Reduce the Risk of Water Damage in Freezing Temperatures
Damage due to frozen water pipes can be costly. Take time during the preseason to perform some maintenance steps on your pipes that help reduce the likelihood of freezing when…
Disaster Preparedness
Good planning can help keep your family safe in a disaster or emergency. The Insurance Institutes of America offers a mobile app titled “Know Your Plan” to assist you in…
Flood Preparation
Floods can occur anytime it rains, even in areas without a history of flooding. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area. Since…
Generator Safety
Generators can help restore your life to near normal levels during a power outage, but caution is needed to use them safely: Always keep portable generators outdoors. Do not run…
Selecting a Roofing Professional
Investing in a new roof does not happen every day. Neither does choosing a roofing contractor. Doing a little homework before choosing a contractor can help make the process better…
Hurricane Preparedness
Before the Storm Begin preparing by building an emergency kit and making a family communications plan. Familiarize yourself with area roads and evacuation routes in the event you must evacuate…
Pet Safety in Disasters
Pets are part of your family. Remember to include them in your disaster preparation planning. For information on disaster planning and emergency actions to take for livestock, horses, birds, reptiles…
Family Communications Plan
Disasters and emergencies can strike any time – during the morning when everyone is home, during the day when family members are both at work and at school, and on…
Home Emergency Supply Kit
Severe weather, such as winter storms, can create situations where families are stranded at home for a period of time. Plan ahead and be prepared for these occasions to help…
