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10 ways to prep your home for monsoon storms

Posted at 5:15 AM, Jul 04, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-04 15:22:31-04

It's not a matter of if, but when those monsoon rains will roll in and we've seen the damage those storms do. With monsoon moisture in the 7-day forecast now is the time to take action and prepare your property to minimize the impact.

Start from the top down on the outside of your home:

- Look at the roof and clear any debris that’s been building. It can add to the weight of the water and cause a collapse.

- Check for any loose roofing that could be picked up by the wind and do damage elsewhere. Make sure vents are well sealed to prevent leaks.

- Water needs somewhere to go and adding gutters could help direct the flow. If you have gutters installed make sure they’re sturdy and clear of debris.

- In the yard, adding pavers or cementing over dirt covered areas can prevent flooding.

- Further direct the flow of water by adding drains to outdoor areas where water can pool up, in the driveway or on the patio.

"We have submersible pumps that can go into a basin up to 16-inches. We also have transfer pumps that would allow a transfer of water from one end to another into a drain or some kind of container, so you can empty it out into something else." said Home Depot Department Manager Alex Hernandez.

- A lot of damage can be done in the yard so trim trees back and keep branches away from the house. Prune any palm trees that have browned, they can act like kindling if lighting strikes. Hernandez says the home improvement store also has a tool rental center that includes gas or electric chainsaws to make the yardwork easier and save you the cost of buying pricey tools.

Preparing for a storm inside your home is just as important so you’re not struggling to find resources in an emergency situation:

- Get an emergency kit ready in case you lose power. Stock it with flashlights, batteries, candles, matches, emergency phone numbers, water and a first aid kit.

- Get to know your electrical panel ahead of time. Make sure rooms are clearly marked and identify the circuit breaker so you can find it easily in the dark if there is a power surge.

- Add surge protector strips to outlets where you plug in electronic devices. You can also have an electrician add a master surge protector that will cover big appliances throughout your house.

"We have this HEPD, Home Electronics Protective Device, that would protect your major electronics like say your washer, dryer, refrigerator, microwave." said Hernandez.

- After a dust storm replace your home’s air filters, they can easily get clogged and prevent proper air circulation. Home Depot recommends you do a full HVAC tune-up at that time, they do a free in-home consultation.