Severe Storms Are Hitting the Midwest This Weekend—4 Ways to Prep Your Home and Garden

• Check your windows and doors for any weak spots that can be vulnerable to high winds and water leaks.
• Clear gutters of any buildup so there are no potential clogs and redirect the downspout away from your home.
• Clear your outdoor space of any items that can impact your home’s siding from high winds.

If you live in the Midwest, South, or East, it may be time to start prepping your home for the severe weather that’s quickly approaching. Strong tornadoes, high winds, and some hail are expected to hit these regions, so you must be well-equipped to deal with the aftermath, but your home and garden should also be storm-ready to minimize any damages.

We asked home reno pros to share their best tips, so read on below.

Clear Gutters

If you haven’t checked on your gutters once this whole season, it may be worthwhile to look and see if there’s any buildup before the storms. Michael DiMartino, the SVP of Installations at Power Home Remodeling, explains how clogged gutters can lead to major leakage and damage to both your home’s interior and exterior.

“When gutters are clogged with leaves and sticks, it prevents water from properly escaping and can potentially lead to ice dams,” DiMartino says. “If water can’t drain out properly, this can lead to collected precipitation, which freezes and adds unnecessary weight and stress on the gutters.”

Myles Robinson, the founder and home expert at UK Composite Doors, agrees and recommends making sure that downspouts direct water at least a few feet away from your home’s foundation.

This will prevent water pooling near your home during the storm, which can often lead to basement flooding or foundation damage, Robinson says.

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Secure Outdoor Items

Robinson suggests securing or storing lightweight items like patio furniture, umbrellas, or plant pots since they can be dangerous when there are high winds.

Additionally, if you have any raised beds or large planters, Robinson recommends anchoring them down or moving them to sheltered areas.

Aim to also secure down fire pits, chairs, tables, grills, and more, DiMartino says. Make sure that these items are a good distance away from your exterior walls since high winds can cause these items to make an impact, which can result in cracked vinyl siding and broken windows.

Check for Weak Spots

Take a look around your home to see if there are any weak spots around your windows or doors. Consider weather stripping to prevent wind-driven rain from seeping in, Robinson says.

“Storm shutters or impact-resistant windows are worth the investment in areas prone to tornadoes or strong winds,” Robinson explains.

Additionally, Robinson recommends double-checking any doors leading to the basement or gardens to make sure they’re sealed tightly and that any nearby drainage doesn’t flow toward them.

Do Some Garden Maintenance

DiMartino recommends trimming back any overgrowth from branches or shrubbery nearby to prevent them from being pushed up against windows by high winds and causing small scuffs.

“Trimming back any dead or overhanging tree limbs is also smart; it reduces the chance of branches snapping and damaging roofs, vehicles, or fencing during a storm,” Robinson explains.