As storm season approaches, taking proactive steps to secure your home can make a significant difference in how well you weather potential storms. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare:

• Roof: Walk around your house to check for any signs of damage such as loose roofing materials, rotting wood, cracks in beams and columns, or leaks. Address these issues promptly.
• Trees: Inspect trees around your property. Remove dead trees and trim dead branches to prevent them from becoming hazardous in high winds.
  Storm Shutters: If you have storm shutters, ensure they're operational. For homes using plywood boards, check if last year’s boards are still in good shape; replace them if necessary. Label each piece to identify the corresponding window easily.
• Doors and Windows: Ensure exterior doors have at least three hinges and a deadbolt lock that extends at least one inch. Cover sliding glass doors, which are particularly vulnerable, with shutters or plywood.

• Seal Openings: Use high-quality urethane-based caulk to seal vents, outdoor electrical outlets, and other areas where pipes or cables enter your home to prevent water intrusion.
• Gutters and Drainage: Clean out gutters and downspouts to ensure water can flow freely away from your home. If flooding is a concern, prepare with sandbags or improvised heavy-duty garbage bags filled with water for emergency barriers.

• Home Inventory: Take photos of your property and belongings. Many insurance companies offer apps to help create a detailed home inventory.
• Generators: If considering a generator, weigh options between portable and whole-house generators. Ensure it is in working order and understand how to use it safely.
• Surge Protection: Install surge protectors to safeguard your electronics from voltage spikes.
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Check smoke alarm batteries and consider installing a carbon monoxide detector, especially if using a generator post-storm.

• Secure Loose Items: Secure or store yard items such as decorations, furniture, and garbage bins that could be blown away by strong winds. Store bicycles, grills, and propane tanks in a secure location.
• Water Storage: Fill clean containers with drinking water. You might also fill bathtubs and sinks with water for non-drinking purposes.