It looks like this storm is coming right at us. It is time for storm preparation just in case the forecast is right. The current forecast is calling for 6 -10″+ of rain and strong winds. This could lead to flooding like we have not seen as our ground is already saturated after the second wettest summer on record. This also could lead to downed trees and power outages. Perhaps it will still turn and not impact us directly, but if it keeps the forecast, the time to do storm preparation is now.
Do you have a storm preparation plan for your home and business? Here are some things that you should do to get ready.
- Know what your insurance covers before the storm and who to call if you need to make a claim. If you face damage you want to have a quick process to get it fixed.
- Make sure gutters are clear of any debris.
- Verify that downspouts are pushing water away from the structure – add a pipe if you are not getting enough flow away from the structure.
- Check the storm drains around your home and business. Make sure they are clear of debris and open for water to flow freely.
- Check your landscape beds to see if mulch could wash out and clog the flow of water.
- Plan out an escape route in case you need to get out quickly, know where you are going – have a plan in place.
- Stock up on sandbags if you are in a flood prone area – stack them like a brick wall for best strength against moving water. The wall should be at least 12″ higher than you expect the water level and twice as wide as it is tall.
- Move valuables to higher ground – computers, files, photo albums – remember that your dishwasher is a water tight cabinet when locked and closed
- Check to make sure your flashlights have batteries and you have a stash of back up batteries.
- Know the location of your first aid kit.
- Have a battery-powered radio in case – please don’t let it be – the internet goes down for any reason.
- Make sure your car is filled with gas prior to this weekend – maybe fill an extra tank or two if you have them.
- Make sure your supplies are ready – toilet paper, diapers, wipes, baby food, pet food.
- Store drinking water and stock up on imperishable foods.
- Verify that your sump pump is working, oiled, and ready to pump.
- Secure any loose landscape items – chairs, trash cans, bikes, toys, hanging plants, lawn decorations.
- Check your landscape – are there diseased or damaged limbs in your trees? If so, have them removed asap.
- Fill bathtub with water in case power goes out and flushing becomes difficult (assuming you have a well and rely on a pump).
- Use a gallon jug of water with a headlamp attached to light an entire room.
- Make sure your grill propane tank is full so you have ability to cook in case of extended power outage.
- Purchase or locate your shop vac for easy clean-up after the storm.
- Have a stash of towels to mop up as needed.
- Have a chainsaw handy just in case you need to cut limps or trees that are downed in the storm.
- Purchase a portable generator to keep the refrigerator and freezer running in case we have multiple days of power outage.
What else should be on the list? Please add your advise to the comments section below.
