It's never too early to get ready.

Here are a few simple steps to help you prepare your home for an emergency.

Prepare Your Property

Clean Roof, Gutters, and Drains

Remove leaves and debris to help prevent water damage.

Fix any loose or broken parts on your roof or gutters.

Secure Outdoor Items

Bring in patio furniture, potted plants, and yard decorations.

Tie down larger items that must stay outside.

Remove Standing Water

Turn over containers such as birdbaths, buckets, and toys.

Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water, so empty it often.

Trim Trees and Shrubs

Cut back branches near your home.

Remove dead or rotting trees to reduce the risk of storm damage.

The Do's and Don'ts of Portable Generators

Do

• Run your generator a few times a year to make sure it works.
• Keep plenty of fresh fuel on hand.
• Check the oil often.
• Use heavy-duty, properly grounded extension cords.

Don't

• Never run a generator inside your home or garage.
• Never store fuel near fire sources or inside your home.
• Never connect a generator directly to your home's electrical panel.
• Never overload your generator. Stay within the wattage limit.