There are so many wonderful things about living in the Charleston area, but sometimes with the good, there comes a little not so good. Hurricane Isaias reminded us all of how quickly and unexpectedly a hurricane can hit. That is why preparing your home ahead of time is so critical. With hurricane season now in full swing, don’t wait for the warning call to make sure you are ready for any weather crisis – follow these tips to keep your home storm-proof.

Store Patio Furniture

Amid a storm, your outdoor furniture can cause a whole lot of damage. If you have umbrellas, make sure that they are always down and securely fastened. That way, you aren’t running around with rain pelting you when the storm begins, or forgetting about the furniture and suffering the consequences. If you aren’t using patio chairs, stack them and keep them undercover. And for your pillows, which can fly away and get ruined, consider getting a waterproof storage container to keep it all under wraps.

Check Your Outdoor Air Conditioner

It is a good idea to make a mental note to check your outdoor air conditioning unit regularly. Look for things like branches or other dirt and debris that can cause damage during heavy storms. And as long as you are outside, take a water hose and spray your unit off to remove dirt and debris, which can reduce airflow and make your air conditioner work harder than it has to.

Have Flashlights Ready and Waiting

Most likely, you have a cell phone on you that has a flashlight, but having a larger light that will cover more area is a good idea if you are stuck without electricity for a while. Check the flashlight regularly to ensure that the batteries are good and keep flashlights handy so you don’t have to search around during the chaos to find some light.

Consider Investing in a Generator

Generators have gotten a whole lot more economical than they used to be. Having a smaller generator that can kick in during a hurricane can help you to minimize food loss if your refrigerator is out. And it will be a really welcomed tool if the electricity is out for an extended period, especially when things get hot and steamy.

Check Your Tree Health and Landscaping

If it has been a while since you have had the trees on your property trimmed, now is an excellent time to take stock. Overhanging branches can do some real damage to the exterior of your home or roof. A professional tree service can help to identify any dead branches or landscaping that needs to be trimmed back for safety.

Have Your Gutters Cleaned

As a homeowner, it is easy to forget the small things like having your gutters cleaned. But during the hurricane and storm season, it is important to make sure that they are flowing freely. If your gutters aren’t working properly, the weight of the water can tear them from the house. And it can also lead to water around your foundation that can cause cracks or flooding of your basement. Also, check to make sure that the downspouts are angled away from the house so there is nothing impeding water flow.

Make Sure Your Sump Pump has a Backup

If you have a sump pump in your basement or crawl space, make sure that it has a back up if the electricity should go out. When your sump pump fails, it can lead to flooding, which can be very damaging. Consider buying a failsafe or alarm in case the power goes out. Then, it can alert you if it isn’t working, storm, or no storm.

There aren’t many disadvantages to living in the Charleston area, but hurricanes are one. Being proactive and prepared is the best way to make it through the storm unscathed and with your home intact.

At Sea Turtle Properties, we care greatly about the community and seek to provide tips to keep everyone safe no matter what comes our way!