There are four seasons: fall, winter, spring, and hurricane. Although we all know the season is coming as faithfully as the year before, it can still sometimes sneak up on us, throwing our entire day off and even causing damage to our property.

To help keep your family and belongings safe be proactive by collecting these 6 things your home needs before the next big storm.

1. Check the Trees

The saying is “hurricane-force winds” for a reason. These winds can easily blow a tree down, so checking for signs of structural damage to the trees beforehand will help you tell if they might be a victim of the winds.

Check for:

2. Prune the Trees

3. Check for Leaks

Also examine spots where cables and pipes enter walls for gaps that water can stream through. Remember that even if a crack is small, a stream of water can easily widen that gap and cause devastating flooding.

4. Clean Gutters

5. Have Supplies On Hand

The last thing you need to do when a hurricane warning is handed down is scramble to the store to purchase the required supplies. Have your window shutters, roof clips, garage clips, and other hurricane preparation items for your home stored in a nearby, easy-to-access place so you can protect your home. This will save precious time if a storm wheels around and lands unexpectedly in your backyard.

6. Get a Second Opinion

To ensure you’re not missing anything, your home needs before the next big storm, head to our hurricane preparation page and check out our checklist.