Storm season in Vancouver, Washington doesn’t just bring rain and wind. It comes with flying debris, toppling trees, and things blowing across neighborhoods. If you’re not ready, those patio chairs or potted plants might end up in your neighbor’s yard or worse, smashing into a window. Late summer weather can shift quickly, and storms often roll in fast, leaving little time to react. That’s why thinking ahead about your outdoor items makes a big difference.
Securing your yard and any belongings outside your home is an easy way to limit storm damage. From backyard furniture to cars in the driveway, everything outdoors needs a checkup before heavy rain or high winds hit. Taking a few simple steps can help prevent damage that leads to costly repair bills or the need for storm damage cleanup later on. Here’s what to focus on first.
Securing Outdoor Furniture And Decorations
When the weather turns rough, outdoor furniture and front yard decor are often the first things tossed around. Even items that seem heavy can shift with strong wind. Umbrellas, plastic chairs, grills, and garden statues can flip, roll, or slide into your home or a neighbor’s.
Start by taking inventory of what’s outside:
– Patio chairs and tables
– Grills or fire pits
– Potted plants and flower boxes
– Outdoor cushions and rugs
– Yard signs or decorative flags
– Small garden statues or solar lights
If furniture is lightweight or foldable, bring it indoors before a storm hits. Garages, sheds, or covered patios are your safest options. Large pieces like patio tables or grills should be tied down using bungee cords or rope. Anchor those items to strong posts, concrete surfaces, or weighted blocks.
For decorations, remove flags, signs, or small statues and store them away. Hanging items like wind chimes or lanterns should also come down during storm alerts. Lightweight flower pots can be tipped over or carried away, so place them on the ground in a sheltered corner or temporarily keep them inside.
Even heavy chairs made of metal or wood aren’t completely safe if wind gusts get strong. If you can’t move it, stack it. Putting chairs on top of each other lowers their chances of tipping over. Adding furniture covers isn’t a bad idea either, but don’t rely on a cover to keep something in place. Always secure it or store it.
One homeowner in East Vancouver learned the hard way when their outdoor bench launched straight into their back door during a thunderstorm. It looked solid enough until a gust picked it up and slammed it sideways. They now keep that bench tucked safely in the garage any time there’s a storm forecast.
Securing furniture is about thinking one step ahead. Anything that isn’t rooted in the ground probably needs to be moved or tied down. It only takes a few minutes to handle these things, and it doesn’t just protect your stuff, it protects your home too.
Protecting Vehicles From Storm Damage
Vehicles left out in the open can take a beating during a storm. From falling branches to flying trash cans, it doesn’t take much to end up with scratches, dents, or even cracked windows. If you have a garage or carport, use it. But many people in Vancouver don’t, especially in more densely packed neighborhoods.
Parking your car in the right spot before a storm is a smart move. Look for these better options if possible:
– Avoid parking under trees, especially ones with dead limbs
– Stay away from light poles or street signs that may fall
– Don’t park close to unsecured fences or temporary structures
– Keep some distance from other cars if lots of debris is expected
If covered storage isn’t available, a good-quality car cover can help protect the paint and windows from minor debris. Use one that straps at the bottom so it won’t fly off. You can also lay thick blankets or floor mats across your windshield and windows under the cover for extra padding, but only do this if conditions are still safe.
In some cases, it’s safer to move your vehicle off your property entirely. If flooding is expected in your neighborhood, consider parking on higher ground or in a public parking garage. Make that decision early enough to avoid being out on the roads when the storm arrives.
Cars aren’t something many think about when prepping for a storm, but damage to a vehicle can be just as problematic as damage to your house. Think ahead and park smart to avoid unwanted repair bills. The fewer surprises waiting for you after the storm, the better.
Safeguarding Garden Tools And Equipment
Garden tools and equipment often get overlooked during storm preparations, but they’re just as vulnerable. Properly securing these items can prevent damage both to the tools and anything they might collide with if picked up by wind. Start by gathering whatever you can and moving it indoors. Tools like shovels, rakes, and hoes should be hung or placed securely in a shed or garage. This is the safest way to avoid them becoming dangerous projectiles.
For larger equipment such as lawnmowers, trimmers, or wheelbarrows, try to find indoor storage. If indoor options aren’t available, tie them to solid structures or stack them in a corner where wind is less likely to be a problem. Weighting down equipment by filling wheelbarrows with heavy items like cinder blocks can also help. Keep in mind the importance of securing fuel cans by placing them in a stable and protected area.
An easy solution for smaller tools? Use a storage bin or crate. Place hand tools inside, then tuck the bin into a shed or garage. Sometimes, arrangements like pegboards with hooks or racks inside a protected space provide helpful organization while keeping tools accessible once the storm clears. Weatherproof or covered storage solutions go a long way toward keeping everything intact and ready for use.
Ensuring Pool Safety During Storms
Pools are another area of concern when stormy skies materialize. It’s important to secure any accessories or equipment around your pool area so nothing goes flying or gets submerged. Start by removing any loose items, such as inflatable toys, loungers, or poolside furniture. These should be stored indoors or in a sheltered space, just like garden items.
Pool covers, while not guaranteed to hold up in extreme conditions, provide added protection against litter falling into the water. Use a secured cover that fits well and doesn’t sag in the middle to prevent debris from accumulating. You’ll also want to disconnect electrical equipment around the pool, like pumps or lights, to protect them from water damage if flooding occurs.
For equipment like diving boards or slides, check that they’re bolted securely. Tighten any loose fittings to keep them stable throughout the storm’s impact. Draining a small portion of your pool water can allow room for heavy rain without overflow, but do this sparingly to avoid additional water imbalances.
Preventing Damage to Outdoor Structures
Outdoor structures like sheds, gazebos, or pergolas require a bit of attention too. Secure doors and windows on these buildings to prevent wind from whipping them open or ripping them off entirely. Reinforcing hinges and frames reduces the risk of damage, as does ensuring everything is closed tightly long before bad weather arrives.
Consider adding extra anchor points or bracing to structures not firmly rooted. Earthquake stakes or concrete footings can keep lightweight structures from moving. Check the roof’s condition for any loose shingles or tiles, planning repairs in advance to avoid surprises once the rain comes down hard.
Gutters should be clear to prevent water from pooling where it doesn’t belong. A clean gutter system directs water away from the structure, limiting potential flooding and long-term water damage. It’s also wise to remove any branches or clutter leaning against the building, as these could scrape or dent surfaces when winds pick up.
Keep Your Property Secure Year-Round
Being proactive about storm safety isn’t just a one-time task. Year-round vigilance goes a long way in minimizing storm-related damage. Regularly inspecting your outdoor spaces means you spot and fix issues before they become problems later. This mindful approach could involve checking for rust on metal furniture, tightening screws and bolts, or even applying weather-resistant treatments to wood surfaces.
Establishing these habits keeps you prepared not only for summer storms but for any wild weather the Pacific Northwest throws your way. Being ready to protect your assets outside is just as important as the protection measures inside your home. It makes storm season just that little bit less stressful, giving you more peace of mind when the skies start to turn. Staying prepared starts with a few smart moves that can save you trouble later.
Keep your property protected so storm aftermath doesn’t catch you off guard. With proper precautions in place, you’ll reduce the risk of damage to outdoor spaces and your home. But if a storm does leave you needing a cleanup, trust DryWorx Water Damage Restoration to help with all your recovery efforts. Learn more about our storm damage cleanup services and how we can restore peace to your home environment.
