Stormy weather is a part of life, but unexpected storms can still do serious damage to your home and yard. Even minor weather can cause power outages or scatter branches and debris on your lawn, and more serious events like hurricanes, tropical storms, or tornados can cause significant damage. The good news is that homeowners can follow a storm preparedness checklist to secure their property ahead of major weather and to build a versatile storm emergency kit—including tools and resources you might want to handle a range of weather.
Don't Wait Until the Storm Is Coming
Once the severe weather arrives, it is too late to prepare! A smart plan includes preparing your yard for a storm, ensuring you have an emergency power outage supplies on-hand, and knowing what to do in the face of dangerous weather. We’ve compiled some trustworthy information and are here to help you get your property (and storm preparations!) up to speed.
We’re going to cover several key topics, including:
- Preparing before the storm
- Preparing your home
- Preparing your yard
- Preparing for extended power outages
- Building an emergency supplies kit
- And how to safely tackle outdoor cleanup in the aftermath!
BEFORE |
DURING |
AFTER |
Secure loose objects |
Follow local alerts |
Check for hazards |
Clear debris |
Stay indoors when advised |
Clear manageable debris |
Inspect trees |
Conserve battery power |
Use appropriate tools |
Charge devices |
Call pro for dangerous tasks |
|
Organize emergency supplies |
Step One: The Calm Before the Storm
If you know severe weather is approaching, preparing for a storm is critical. These are the most important steps:
- Stay informed via local weather forecasting and emergency alerts
- Charge all essential electronics, especially phones
- Charge any backup batteries or portable power devices
- Secure outdoor furniture or loose objects in your yard
- Clear debris from your yard, including fallen branches
- Make sure your family all know your emergency plan
All of this might seem like overkill for some heavy rain, but storms can worsen suddenly and it never hurts to be prepared! In particular, cleaning up your yard ahead of heavy winds can prevent loose limbs, tools, or furniture from becoming projectiles once the storm hits.
Standard Storm Prep Guidelines
To prepare for the storm, start by clearing loose debris, bringing tools and equipment inside, and checking your trees for dead, damaged, or hanging branches that could pose a risk. Battery-powered chainsaws, hand saws, and pruners make quick work of damaged limbs, but make sure not to saw off more than you can chew! If you notice any dead trees or trees with significant damage, especially ones near power lines, it’s always better to call in a qualified professional.
While you’re outside, take a moment in inspect your windows, roof, and gutters. Make sure all your windows are tightly closed and that your roof looks to be in good shape. It may be too late to replace missing shingles or patch any damage, so inspecting your home periodically throughout the year is a better way to stay fully prepared. If your gutters are prone to clogging, cleaning out the troughs and downspouts before a storm can ensure that your roof drains properly and prevent overflowing, flooding, or damage caused by buildup.
Hurricane-force winds can pick up and throw most anything—bicycles, potted plants, or even grills—so take time to bring inside what you can and secure anything you can’t. Additionally, if you have a pool, it is safest to leave it covered. Heavy winds can rip or lift covers, and if heavy debris blows onto your cover, it could easily sink or be damaged.
If you have a home generator or electric power station, ensure that it is ready for use and fully fueled or charged. Additionally, make sure everyone in your family knows where to find flashlights and first aid supplies just in case.
Heavy-Duty Storm Preparations
If you’re facing a more serious storm—such as a tropical storm or hurricane—your preparations will need to be more serious to match. Areas prone to such storms typically have resources available covering evacuation routes, shelters, and hurricane warning schedules. Given how specialized each location’s response can be, we recommend turning to your local authorities.
Hurricane or tropical storm preparations should be more involved than what we’re covering in this guide, but covering your windows and reinforcing your door are simple steps that can help prevent dangerous wind, debris, and water damage. Storm shutters are the best option, but plywood will also work.
Don’t Forget About Power Outage Lighting!
Especially for prolonged outages, accessible lighting can make the difference between safety and danger—and running down your phone batteries with their flashlights might not be wise. The best emergency lighting lets you navigate your home, find your emergency supplies, and even leave your home if it becomes unsafe. Due to these factors, rechargeable battery-powered lights are often the best choice—just make sure they’re not buried in your toolshed! Storm preparedness supplies should be moved inside and kept on-hand for easy access once the lights are out.
While you’re gathering your lights, also take some time to make copies of essential documents and store the originals within a watertight container. This kind of heavy storm prep might feel excessive, but replacing water-damaged documents can be a huge headache, while retrieving them from your storage takes just seconds.
Step Two: Staying Comfortable During Storms and Outages
Both during and after the storm, safety is always the top priority. But if there isn’t any major danger, comfort is also important, and a good storm preparedness kit can cover both. The National Hurricane Center considers the Atlantic hurricane season to run from June through November, and if your power is out during sweltering summer months, a little preparation for staying cool goes a long way.
Portable fans help maintain airflow and keep you cool, and some fans even use the same interchangeable batteries as your portable lights. Identify the coolest areas of your home and try to spend time there, as long as that spot is still safe.
Even minor storms can cause extended outages, so consider investing in a portable generator. Either a gas engine generator or an electric power station can run many of the small devices and essentials you may need in the aftermath of a serious storm, but make sure to operate them safely. The CDC recommends gas-powered generators only be used outdoors, 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents. The carbon monoxide produced by gas-powered generators can be dangerous. Battery power stations, by contrast, are safe and reliable, but must be charged ahead of time.
Step Three: Cleanup After the Storm Breaks
It can be tempting to rush into cleanup, especially if you’ve been cooped up inside for days. Still, take a moment to check weather forecasting and leave your home carefully. Stormy weather can change quickly, and even after the worst has passed, there are still dangers to keep in mind.
Before you think about cleanup, check for any hazards in your area. Cleanup after a storm doesn’t have to be rushed, and anything from downed power lines to flooding can present real danger. Make sure that no structures or utility equipment are damaged, and if you see any unstable trees or exposed wires, stay safely away and contact appropriate professionals.
Once you’re sure there is no danger, knowing how to clean up after a storm is easy. First, put on appropriate protective gear, including gloves, work boots, eye protection, and high-visibility clothing as needed. Then, document any damage with photos and video if you might make a homeowner’s insurance claim. Finally, follow this storm cleanup checklist:
Step 1: Small Debris
- Any small sticks, leaves, or other assorted yard debris that is in your way should be cleared first. Use a powerful leaf blower or a rake to speed up this cleaning.
Step 2: Assess Damage
- Once you’ve handled the small bits, time to check your trees. Remove damaged limbs using pruners, a chainsaw, or even a pole saw, making sure to work safely and stay away from power lines or trees at risk of falling.
Step 3: Clear Your Yard
- Larger debris might need to be hauled, bagged, or otherwise gathered. Separate organic waste from non-organic debris and follow local guidelines for debris pickup schedules.
Step 4: Final Fixes
- Lastly, take the necessary steps to get your property back to normal condition, such as repairing damaged fencing or pressure washing away marks left by standing water.
If possible, try not to work alone. Having someone else nearby helps protect you in case the situation becomes dangerous.
Your Next Storm Prep Steps
Now that you know what to do, let’s discuss how to do it. With the right tools, storm cleanup doesn’t have to be an overwhelming or difficult task—but once the storm hits, it will already be too late to get the tools you need!
Battery-powered tools are more reliable that corded tools during power outages, and some common tools can make storm prep and cleanup much easier. We recommend portable flashlights, chainsaws, power stations or battery packs, and a powerful leaf blower to help with storm prep, comfort during power outages, and cleanup afterwards.
In addition to power tools, here are some basic supplies to consider putting into your storm prep kit. Keep in mind that waiting until the storm is hours away may mean that these supplies are sold out, so it pays to stock up ahead of time!
Batteries
Bottled water (FEMA recommends one gallon per person per day)
Duct tape
Fire extinguisher
First aid supplies
Hand tools (hammer, screwdrivers, wrenches)
Medications
Plastic tarps
Printed copies of identification, such as your driver’s license
Radios
Rubber boots
Toilet paper
Whistles
In addition, we recommend anyone in a heavy storm zone have food available for feeding their family for several days. Shelf-stable foods that can be eaten without cooking, such as protein bars or canned fruit, are safest—just make sure you also include a can opener!
Preparation = Protection
In conclusion, storm preparation is a year-round responsibility, and there are many ways to ensure your family is safe both during and after a severe weather event. Stock up on essential supplies, keep flashlights and fans on hand, and make sure you have the best tools for cleanup and repairs afterward.
Frequently Asked Storm Prep Questions:
How do I prepare my yard for a storm?
Clean up major debris, prune any damaged or loose limbs from trees and larger bushes (especially ones that overhang your home or other structures), and bring anything you can inside. Anything that must be left outside should be secured safely to the ground. Leave pools uncovered and ensure all windows are tightly closed or, in extreme weather, covered.
What should I have ready before a power outage?
A good power outage preparedness kit will include shelf-stable food, plenty of water, household essentials like duct tape, first aid supplies, and hand tools. In addition, we recommend extra batteries and power banks, or even a whole-house power station. Charge all your devices and batteries before any potential outage to ensure your family is protected.
What tools are useful for storm cleanup?
The two most essential tools for storm cleanup are a chainsaw and a leaf blower. Battery-powered versions of these classic tools are powerful, reliable, and versatile for a range of debris cleanup and removal. Leaf blowers can be used to clear away wet leaves and small debris, in addition to cleaning walkways or even your roof. Chainsaws or pole saws are essential tools for pruning damaged branches from trees, breaking down larger fallen limbs, clearing paths, and removing and branches overhanging your structures.
What should I do if a tree falls during a storm?
If your location is still safe, it is wisest to stay inside and let your home protect you from the ongoing storm. Afterwards, your first step should be examining the extent of the damage. If the tree has fallen into power lines or other utility infrastructure, call in professionals. Always consider electrical elements to be charged and avoid touching or going near them. If the tree fell without damaging anything dangerous, wait until after the storm and use a chainsaw or similar tool to break it down into manageable pieces.
Can I use a chainsaw to clean up storm damage?
Yes! A chainsaw is a perfect tool for cleaning up your yard after a storm, since it lets you efficiently cut large, unwieldy, or heavy limbs and trunks down into pieces you can move. Always operate a chainsaw with proper safety gear and precautions.
How do I safely clean up leaves and branches after a storm?
If the leaves and branches are small enough, the simplest option is to use a leaf blower. Modern battery-powered blowers are an efficient way to blow away gathered leaves or branches. If the branches are too large to be moved by a blower, saw or prune them down to size and decide how you want to dispose of them. Piling fallen branches out of the way can be a good initial step if you need to clear walkways or assess the rest of your property.
What should I do if I see a downed power line?
Most importantly, do not go near any damaged power lines or other utility infrastructure. All electrical equipment should be treated as if it is “live,” meaning that anything it is touching (including puddles or water or parts of structures) may also be electrically charged and dangerous. The safest option is to stay far away and call in professionals. Wear rubber gloves and boots when cleaning up after a storm to reduce the risk of accidental shock, but never try to address damaged power lines yourself.
How can I prepare for a long power outage?
If you’re expecting to lose power for multiple days, make sure you have access to food which won’t require cooking and clean water. Charge all of your devices and turn on any low battery modes, then also make sure your battery packs or power banks are charged as well. Greenworks 24V batteries function as power banks and feature USB-C ports, and we also carry much higher-capacity home power solutions.
What should I do immediately after a severe storm?
First, confirm with local authorities and weather reports that the storm has truly passed. Once you’re sure that the storm is over, find a safe way to exit your home and assess the situation outside. Depending on flooding and wind conditions, there may be damage that requires urgent attention. If falling limbs or other debris have damaged power lines, be sure to stay well clear. Focus on the safety of your family and on confirming access to food and water.
Written by The Green Team, a creative arm within Greenworks Tools.
Our team of writers, designers and content creators bring a breadth of experience and a touch of fun to all things tools. With an assist from the Greenworks product teams and technology experts, we’re here to provide helpful and engaging content to make your yard (and life!) beautiful.
