Spring brings a welcome increase in temperatures. Still, March is the start of severe weather season. Is your home ready for rapidly changing conditions? Make preparations now to “spring clean” your home and help your family make it through even the worst spring storms.

• Clean and tighten the gutters: Remove any debris that has accumulated over the winter so rainwater can flow freely. Also, make sure your gutters and downspouts are firmly attached so they don’t sag or come loose during heavy spring rains.
• Trim the trees: Remove wayward branches to reduce the risk of damaging your roof or power lines during a windstorm. If any trees grow too close to the foundation, consider removing them altogether.
• Evaluate leaks and drainage: If you have faced basement leaks or flooding in the past, resolve the issue now. Seal up foundation cracks to reduce leaking and make sure the soil is graded to drain rainwater away from your house rather than toward it.
• Assess your fence: Leaning posts will only get worse if the wind picks up this spring. Replace damaged sections before the fence topples altogether.
• Check your sump pump: Pour water into the sump pit to make sure the pump works. Consider adding a battery backup or standby generator to ensure continued operation during a power outage. And if you don’t already have a sump pump, install one.
• Stock up on emergency supplies: Every family member should have a 72-hour kit filled with three days’ worth of essentials, including non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights and batteries, personal hygiene items, and blankets.
• Sign up for weather alerts: Stay in the know with a NOAA weather radio. You can also sign up for local emergency alerts or download the FEMA app for real-time weather updates in your area.
• Go over your storm safety plan: Get the family together and discuss what to do if a big storm heads your way. Your family disaster plan should contain important contact information, family meeting places, shelter locations, evacuation routes out of town, and more.
• Prepare for a power outage: If severe weather is in the forecast, get ready for a possible power outage. This means assembling your family’s emergency kits, filling coolers with ice in case you need to empty the fridge and freezer, filling up your car with gas, and charging all electronic devices.
• Review your insurance coverage: Most policies don’t include flood coverage, so you may want to add this to your plan. It’s also wise to catalog your most valuable possessions to assist with potential insurance claims.

If your home sustains damage after a spring storm passes through your area, turn to DKI for help. With over 200 locations across the U.S., we can offer storm damage repair and tree removal services from coast to coast. Whether you have been affected by a tornado, thunderstorm, flood, or other weather event, contact us 24/7, and our emergency response team will arrive within two hours.