Seasonal checklists

A Storm Prep Checklist, Plus How to Clean Up Safely

What to do before a heavy storm and how to clean up safely after, plus which jobs need a tree pro, roofer or electrician.

West Georgia gets its share of rough weather. Heavy summer thunderstorms, strong winds, the remnants of tropical systems and the occasional ice storm can bring down limbs, flood yards and knock out power. Working through a storm prep checklist ahead of time reduces damage, and knowing how to clean up safely keeps you from getting hurt afterward.

Before the storm: prep your home

Trees and limbs

• Look up. Check for dead limbs, cracked branches and leaning trees near the house, driveway and power lines.
• Trim small dead branches you can reach safely from the ground.
• Call a tree service for large limbs, tall trees or anything near the roof. Call your power company for limbs touching power lines. Don't trim near lines yourself.

Gutters and drainage

• Clean gutters and downspouts so heavy rain flows away from the house. Pine needles and leaves clog them fast.
• Extend downspouts away from the foundation.
• Clear ditches, drains and culverts of debris.

Our red clay yard drainage guide has more on keeping water away from your home.

Secure loose items

Wind turns yard items into projectiles. Before a storm:

• Bring in or tie down patio furniture, grills, planters and trash cans
• Store kids' toys, garden tools and hoses
• Secure trampolines and small sheds
• Close and latch gates

Check the house

• Fix loose porch rails, shutters and trim before they get torn off
• Recaulk gaps around windows and doors to keep wind-driven rain out
• Look at your roof from the ground for missing or lifted shingles. Roof repairs are for a roofer.
• Know where your water shut-off is, and make sure everyone in the house does too

Get ready for power outages

• Charge phones and power banks
• Have flashlights and fresh batteries
• Keep water and non-perishable food on hand
• Fill any needed prescriptions
• If you use a generator, test it ahead of time and have fuel stored safely

During the storm

• Stay inside and away from windows
• Follow local weather alerts
• Don't go out to check on things until the storm passes

After the storm: clean up safely

Safety first

• Stay away from downed power lines. Assume every line is live. Keep kids and pets away and call your power company.
• Don't walk or drive through floodwater. It can hide holes, debris and live wires.
• Watch for hanging limbs that can fall later.
• Run generators only outdoors, well away from doors, windows and vents. Never inside a garage, carport or crawl space. Carbon monoxide can kill.

Document everything

Before you clean up, take photos and video of all damage: the house, roof, fences, cars and yard. Write down dates and times. This helps with insurance claims. Then do what's needed to prevent more damage, like covering a broken window, and keep receipts.

Clear debris carefully

• Pick up small limbs and branches
• Rake leaves and debris off the lawn so grass isn't smothered
• Clear gutters again
• Check porch steps and decks for damage before using them

Use gloves, sturdy boots and eye protection. Chainsaws are dangerous, especially on limbs under tension. Leave large trees and anything leaning on your house to a professional tree service.

Know who to call

• Downed lines or power out: your power company
• Tree on the house or large fallen trees: a tree service
• Roof damage: a licensed roofer
• Electrical damage or flooding near outlets: a licensed electrician
• Water in walls or flooring: a water damage company, then repair work once it's dry

Where we fit in

We're not an emergency service. We work Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. After the urgent work is done, we can help with yard cleanup, hauling off limbs and debris through our cleanouts and haul-off service, and repairs like fence boards, porch rails, trim and drywall. For ongoing fall debris, see our fall leaf cleanup guide.

Call or text for a free estimate

Text photos of the damage to (706) 594-5049, or use our free estimate form. We'll let you know what we can help with and give you a free estimate.