Preparing your Outdoor Living Spaces for a Storm

Outdoor preparation checklist...

The reports call for severe weather including high winds. In storms with high wind many injuries or damage to property happen because of flying debris. That's why securing outdoor spaces is an important part of your emergency plan.

A few minutes of preparation can prevent big damage, and even help to keep your family safe during the storm. Here is a quick checklist of items you should secure in order to ensure you give this storm as little debris to throw at your house as possible.

1. Take down outdoor decorations. If you have decorations hanging anywhere on the exterior of your home it's a good idea to bring them in.
2. Secure potted plants. A potted plant can become a heavy projectile in really high winds. Even if a potted plant is too heavy to be picked up, it may be knocked over. Secure outdoor potted plants.
3. Bring in outdoor furniture cushions. Don't risk losing your cushions downwind.
4. Take down swings and hammocks. Even if they don't come loose, wind can whip hammocks and swings around in ways that damage the surrounding structures. 
5. Move the woodpile. In high winds every single piece of wood in your wood pile might become a projectile. If possible store your woodpile away from the house in a covered area.
6. Secure outdoor furniture. Bring it inside if possible. If you have a pool, some experts do recommend putting waterproof outdoor furniture in the pool.
7. Secure your pool or spa. You may hear talk of draining pools in preparation for a storm in order to keep it from overflowing. This is actually not advised because high groundwater levels can damage the structure. If you really feel the need to lower the water level just drain 1-2 feet out of the pool. DO turn your pool equipment off before the storm comes.
8. Bring the grill inside.
9. Take "Before" photos of your outdoor living spaces in case you need them later.

Stay safe during the storm. Call us after if you think you might have roof damage! And please share this article to help keep your friends and family safe.