10 tips to prepare for Big Storms

Preparing for heavy storms can make the difference between a pleasant memory and an all out disaster.

10 Things that you should do to prepare for heavy storms:

1. Clean out gutters of debris to manage the water that come with heavy rains. Have leader pipes extended away from the home. The gutters of your home can go a long way towards keeping your basement dry during heavy storms.
2. Store items that may be thrown by strong winds. Bring in all patio umbrellas, hammocks, small pots and planters. Cover glass top patio tables with plywood and secure with rope or tie downs. Tie down items such as trampolines and patio furniture. Much of the damage during heavy storms can be due to flying debris.
3. Top off the tank on the main vehicle to ensure that in the event that you do have to leave your home there is fuel to get you where you need to go. If you have a generator, be prepared to fuel it for several days. Always keep the generator located outside while it is running. Never run the generator inside a closed garage.
4. Have batteries for flashlights, lanterns, portable videos games and emergency radios. Have a car charger for each of you cell phones.
5. Stock up on bottled water and canned foods- many of our homes are on wells that will not be functioning in the event that you lose power.
6. Fill bath tubs with water to be used for cleaning and flushing of toilets. Boil water for a full minute (full rolling boil) to purify water for drinking. In higher elevations boil for a full 3 minutes.
7. Move a supply of firewood closer to you home and keep it dry by covering with tarps.
8. Have some cash on hand. With long term power outages there will be no access to cash machines or banks. Some stores may still sell food and other items if you have cash.
9. Fill propane tanks for gas grills. Gas grills can be used to cook meals and boil water.
10. Fill large bottles of water and put in the freezer. In the event of a power outage they help to keep the freezer cold and as the ice melts will become a supply of drinking water.

Stay up to date on news and conditions by listening to broadcast every few hours. Try to stay off roads and in the safety of your homes. In heavy storms the likelihood of fallen trees and power lines is a major concern for safety and damage.

Jason Horn is an ASHI Certified home inspector in Newtown, CT that services all of Fairfield county and most of Western CT. If you have any home inspection related questions feel free to call him at (203)304-9140