Prep for spring storms with Belclaire Homes

“If don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” If you live in Texas, you’ve heard that saying. And it couldn’t be truer than in springtime. What starts as a lovely spring day could end with you and your family hunkering down waiting for a storm to pass. Don’t worry, Belclaire Homes has you covered (literally and figuratively)! Here are five ways to prep and protect your home from spring storms in Texas:

1. Clear it out. We know it’s going to rain. Most storms will be nothing to worry about, but you’ll want to be prepared. Heavy rain can cause damage if your gutters and downspouts aren’t properly maintained so clear them out. This simple act will allow the rain to flow out and away from your home eliminating any threat of damage from rain. 

2. Trim it up. Prune and trim all trees around your home. Dead and weak branches are disasters waiting to happen, especially if your trees and shrubbery are planted close to your home. Pay extra close attention to anything that could fall onto your home or fly through the air. 

3. Secure outdoor furniture and décor. We live in Texas and one of the benefits is being able to enjoy the outdoors year-round. If we’re lucky enough to have advanced notice of a pending storm, secure outdoor furniture and décor. Any unsecured items in your front yard or backyard are potential projectiles once heavy winds pick up. To prevent injuries, broken windows or worse, secure your patio furniture and store other loose items (such as tools, signs and appliances) in your shed or garage.

4. Replace your landscaping rocks with bark. It is springtime so while you’re updating your landscaping go ahead and switch out stone, gravel and rocks to shredded bark. Shredded bark and mulch are much lighter and softer, so they won’t chip glass or dent vehicles if they fly through the air.

5 .Get the important stuff. If a storm is a-comin’, make sure you have what really matters: Netflix, blankets, popcorn and movie candy. Spread out and get comfy in your American Legend media room, turn the volume up loud enough to drown out the thunder and enjoy the family time!

If you’re new to Texas and don’t know what to expect, don’t worry. Preparation before storms can make a huge difference in not only reducing storm damage but also stress! By implementing these simple home tips, you may be able to make this season’s severe storms feel a little less severe.And remember, if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes!