5 Ways to Minimize Summer Storm Damage to the Chapter House
Summer often brings quieter campuses—but it also brings an uptick in severe weather risks. From torrential rain and flash flooding to high winds, hurricanes, and even tornadoes, the summer season can cause serious property damage, particularly when chapter houses are unoccupied or unmonitored.
While you can’t prevent storms, you can reduce their impact by preparing the facility in advance. Here are five smart steps house corporations and property managers can take now to protect the chapter house during the summer months.
1. Identify and Address Hidden Vulnerabilities
Storm damage is often worsened by small maintenance issues that have gone unnoticed. Roof leaks, cracked foundations, blocked drainage, or worn seals around doors and windows can all become big problems when severe weather hits.
Before the height of summer storm season, walk the property or coordinate a professional inspection. Focus on known weak spots—roof seams, basement entries, foundation cracks, and aging drainage systems. Clear gutters and downspouts to ensure water flows away from the house, not toward it. Fixing these issues now can help avoid emergency repairs and insurance claims later.
Applicable MJ resources to help:
2. Establish a Local Emergency Contact
With the chapter members away during the summer, having someone nearby who can respond quickly is essential. Designate a local point of contact—such as a House Director, House Corporation volunteer, chapter advisor, or trusted contractor—who can monitor severe weather alerts and physically check the house following a storm.
This person can assess damage early, prevent additional losses (such as water intrusion), and coordinate immediate repairs. Even something as simple as tarping a roof or boarding a window can make a major difference in preventing further damage.
Applicable MJ resources:
3. Don’t Underestimate Flood Risk
Flooding isn’t just a coastal or river-adjacent risk—it can happen anywhere, especially when sudden storms overwhelm local drainage systems. Older homes or those with basements are particularly vulnerable.
Evaluate your property’s risk and consider steps such as:
- Sealing basement walls and windows.
- Installing or testing sump pumps, ideally with battery backups.
- Relocating key items—like mechanical systems or stored furnishings—above ground level.
- Maintaining relationships with local contractors and remediation vendors so help is readily available if needed.
Read more about increasingly severe storms and how best to prepare. Learn more about leak detection technology to help minimize water damage.
4. Prepare for Wind Damage Before It Happens
High winds from summer storms can be incredibly destructive. They can tear off shingles, topple trees, and turn outdoor furniture into airborne hazards.
Help reduce your risk by:
- Inspecting and repairing roofing and flashing.
- Trimming tree limbs that hang over the building or utility lines.
- Securing or storing outdoor furniture, signage, or trash bins.
- Reinforcing vulnerable exterior elements, such as entry doors or older windows, especially if the house is located in a hurricane or tornado-prone area.
Applicable MJ resources to learn more:
5. Emergency Planning Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential
Having a documented emergency response plan is a crucial part of risk management, but a plan that’s never shared or practiced won’t be much help in the middle of a storm. House Corporations should take time each year to review and update their storm and emergency procedures. Make sure everyone involved—house directors, local volunteers, advisors, and key vendors—knows their role before a crisis occurs.
Think through the key questions:
- Who monitors local weather alerts and determines when action is needed?
- Who checks the property after a storm or initiates emergency repairs?
- What’s the communication plan between the House Corporation, volunteers, and headquarters?
- Do all relevant parties have access to important documents, contact lists, MJ claims contact, and vendor information if power or internet is down?
Even if the house is unoccupied, a clear response protocol helps minimize damage, speeds up repairs, and keeps everyone informed and prepared.Bottom of Form
Advance Planning Makes a Big Difference
With the chapter house unoccupied, it’s easy for minor issues to go unnoticed until they become major problems. Taking time now to prepare for summer weather can protect the property and reduce your to-do list come fall move-in. If you’re unsure where to start, your MJ Sorority team is always here to support you.