Spring has sprung, bringing with it warmer weather, blooming flowers, and the start of storm season in Texas. And that usually means everything from heavy rain to tornadoes and hurricanes. The key to keeping your family safe is prepping long before the breaking news alerts come across the television screen. Here’s your checklist to ensure your outdoor space and property are as protected as possible when storms roll in.
Secure Outdoor Furniture and Decoration
Texas spring storms often bring gusty winds, and any furniture that isn’t bolted down can go flying through the air. To protect your furniture, take the following steps:
- Anchor or bring in furniture
- Move lightweight items like chairs, tables, and cushions inside if you can. If you’re unable to do this, use anchors or tie them down to secure them in place.
- Store yard decorations
- Garden ornaments and planters should be stored securely in a shed or garage.
- Use weather-resistant covers
- For furniture that remains outside, invest in heavy-duty, waterproof covers to shield them from rain and hail.
Check your Trees and Add Extra Mulch
Strong winds during spring storms can cause weak branches to snap, potentially damaging your home or garden. Before the storm hits, ensure that the trees in your yard are pruned to lessen the chance of any branches falling on, and subsequently damaging, your home. Experts suggest checking for weak tree limbs and trimming shrubbery away from your house.
If you have plants you cannot bring indoors, make sure they remain safe and stable in high winds by adding extra mulch to their pots. For even more stability and strength, use garden stakes to cover them and keep them secure. Place them in a sheltered area if you can. You can also minimize wind damage by wrapping them loosely in burlap or old bedsheets.
Finally, raise the garden beds. If your garden is prone to flooding, consider raising the beds so your plants won’t get submerged during heavy rains.
Check and Clean Gutters and Drains
Spring storms here in the south often bring a lot of heavy rain, and all that water can quickly clog gutters and downspouts. Before any spring storm, clean your gutters. It’s a fairly easy DIY task you should do every spring and fall.
Debris buildup can lead to water overflow damaging your roof, walls, and even the foundation of your home. Remove debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt to prevent clogs that could lead to water damage. Check downspouts to ensure water is flowing away from the home’s foundation to avoid flooding. Check any ground-level drains around your property to prevent water buildup.
Check Fencing and Structure
High winds can wreak havoc on weak fences and outdoor structures. Before the wind gusts pick up, take time to:
- Inspect awnings and canopies for loose screws, bolts, or weak spots, and then tighten them. If necessary, remove any structure you don’t think can withstand heavy winds.
- Repair parts of your fence that are worn or have holes.
- Close and lock windows in the garage and any sheds. If the storm has the chance of becoming a hurricane, boarding the windows with plywood isn’t a bad idea.
- Check for loose panels or siding that could be ripped off by strong winds.
Install Storm Shutters or Impact-Resistant Windows
Consider investing in storm shutters or impact-resistant windows. These can help protect your home and outdoor space from flying debris and wind damage. Storm shutters can be installed quickly when you know a storm is brewing.
Texas storms can be unpredictable and intense, but with the right preparation, you can minimize potential damage to your outdoor space. Being proactive and planning will also give you the peace of mind of knowing you did everything you could to protect your property from Mother Nature’s wrath.
This article was written by Tammy Pitts. Tammy has an extensive background in journalism, media relations, social media strategy, marketing, and brand management. She resides in Michigan with her family, which includes her two sons and their Goldendoodle, Max. In her free time, she loves to read and travel.