In the Tampa Bay area, storm season brings the unpredictability of high winds, torrential rain, and the potential for property damage. While many homeowners focus on windows, roofs, and insurance coverage, outdoor preparedness is often overlooked. A well-thought-out plan can help reduce potential hazards and damage, from securing patio furniture to checking gutter systems. Gutter maintenance supports overall storm preparation, especially in regions like Tampa Bay, where heavy rains are common.
Why Outdoor Items Pose a Risk During Storms
Patio furniture, umbrellas, flower planters, and gardening tools are harmless on normal weather days but become airborne projectiles during a bad storm. They can destroy your cars and house, and become a safety hazard to your neighbors and emergency responders. It’s time to tour your home, see what’s out, and devise a plan for putting it in the garage or a secure area beforehand.
Evaluate and Secure Your Outdoor Furniture
Begin by relocating lightweight objects so strong winds will not lift them. Lawn furniture, folding tables, toys, and decorations are most susceptible to this damage. The initial step is moving the objects indoors or to a shed or garage prior to a storm. Secure heavier and larger objects, such as cast iron or stone furniture that cannot be moved, with weather-resistant straps or ground anchors.
Patio umbrellas must be closed and put away safely. Grill covers must be removed and either tied down or brought indoors. As a wind barrier, bigger grills can be rolled on wheels under a covered portion of the yard. It only takes a few seconds to secure those things and keep you and your surrounding properties from loss.
Trim Trees and Secure Loose Landscaping Features
Yard work also falls under outdoor preparation. Trim hanging branches and dying leaves that may swing off on a breezy day. Wind chimes, bird feeders, and hanging plants are a few of the decorations that must be brought inside and removed. Fountains and statues that aren’t firmly planted on the ground must be covered or placed on their sides.
Loose gravel or mulch also poses a problem in high winds. Substitute loose materials with heavy materials or tarp them temporarily before the storm arrives.
Protecting Your Home’s Drainage and Gutter System
Although securing loose objects might be a higher priority, ensuring your home’s drain system is also a good practice. When it rains, gutters divert a lot of rainwater away from your house’s foundation and roof. If they’re filled with leaves or debris, the water will overflow and accumulate around your house, causing flooding inside or damage to the building itself.
Check your gutters periodically and clear them before the onset of storm season. Downspouts must redirect water at least three feet away from the dwelling. Leaf guards or mesh screens may also be beneficial in keeping them from clogging in heavy rains. Professional gutter maintenance adds to your home’s overall storm preparation and lessens the necessity for added, more expensive repairs.
Plan for Safe Storage and Communication
In addition to physical preparation, you also need a communication plan. Inform family members where items need to be put or tied down. Mark the storage containers, delegate tasks, and keep any storm preparation gear—like straps, sandbags, and tarps accessible. The goal is to prepare your efforts ahead of the storm and not rush around as winds increase.
Storm preparedness involves more than boarding up windows. Outdoor readiness is a practical step homeowners in Tampa Bay can take to reduce the risks posed by unsecured objects. At the same time, gutter maintenance contributes to managing stormwater effectively, reducing the chance of home damage. A comprehensive approach that includes outdoor item security and proper drainage care creates a stronger defense for your home.
For professional assistance with gutter maintenance in Tampa Bay, MD Seamless Gutters offers expertise and support to help homeowners prepare before the next storm strikes.
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