Be Storm Ready: How to Prepare Your Home or Business for Spring Weather

by Safety Tips

As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, spring storms often arrive just as quickly — bringing heavy rain, high winds, hail, and even tornadoes. At ReStor Co, we’ve seen firsthand how damaging these storms can be — but with the right preparation, you can protect your property, minimize damage, and keep your family or employees safe.

Here’s a simple checklist to help you get ready before the next storm hits.

Spring Storm Preparedness Checklist

1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
Check for missing shingles, loose flashing, or signs of damage. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear so water can flow freely and away from your foundation.

2. Trim Trees and Branches
Overhanging limbs can easily break during a windstorm and cause major damage to your roof, vehicles, or power lines.

3. Secure Outdoor Items
Bring in or anchor outdoor furniture, grills, trash bins, or anything that can be picked up by strong winds.

4. Check Your Sump Pump
Test your sump pump to ensure it’s working correctly and consider installing a battery backup in case of power loss.

5. Review Your Insurance Coverage
Talk to your insurance provider to make sure your policy covers storm damage, especially from wind or flooding. Document valuables and take photos of property condition now — before a storm strikes.

6. Test Your Emergency Power Backup
Have a generator? Test it regularly and keep fuel stored safely. Power outages are common during spring storms.

7. Seal Windows and Doors
Inspect caulking around windows and weather stripping on doors. Reinforce weak spots that could let in water or wind.

8. Prepare an Emergency Kit
Include flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, phone chargers, and a weather radio.

9. Create a Safety Plan
Have a designated safe space in your home or business — such as a basement, storm shelter, or interior room with no windows. Make sure everyone knows where to go.

10. Stay Informed
Sign up for local weather alerts and monitor storm updates so you can act quickly when severe weather approaches.

Final Thoughts

Spring storms are unpredictable — but your preparedness doesn’t have to be. Taking proactive steps now can help reduce risk, minimize damage, and give you peace of mind when the skies turn dark.

If you experience storm damage this season, ReStor Co is here to help. Our storm recovery and restoration experts are just a call away.

Single family home in suburban Philadelphia. Yellow Norway Maple leaves and tree

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: Prepare Your Home for Colder Months

by Safety TipsServices

As temperatures drop and autumn settles in, now is the perfect time to get your home ready for the colder weather ahead. While many homeowners focus on spring cleaning and maintenance, fall is equally important for keeping your home safe, energy-efficient, and comfortable throughout the winter. By tackling a few key tasks, you can prevent expensive damage and enjoy peace of mind during the colder months.

Why Fall Home Maintenance is Critical

During winter, your home faces stress from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Without proper upkeep, you risk heating system failures, drafts, water damage, clogged gutters, and even structural issues. Completing these tasks before the cold sets in ensures your home will withstand the elements and run efficiently. It’s much easier and safer to handle these projects in the mild fall weather rather than waiting for freezing conditions.

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

1. Clean Your Gutters
Once the trees shed their leaves, clear out debris from your gutters to prevent clogs. Blocked gutters can cause water damage to your roof, foundation, and walls. After cleaning, consider installing gutter guards to minimize future blockages.

Call Restor Co today for a free quote on Gutter Cleaning: (573) 472-0441

2. Get an HVAC Tune-Up
Schedule a professional HVAC inspection in mid-October to ensure your heating system is functioning properly. A well-maintained system reduces the risk of costly repairs during peak winter use and can lower your utility bills by improving energy efficiency.

3. Change HVAC Filters
Dirty filters can reduce the efficiency of your heating system, leading to higher energy costs. Replacing filters regularly ensures smooth operation and extends the life of your HVAC system.

4. Repair and Seal Windows
Drafty windows are responsible for up to 30% of heat loss in your home. Inspect windows for cracks, gaps, and broken seals. Repair any damage or consider upgrading to energy-efficient models to save on heating costs.

5. Inspect the Roof
Fall is the best time for a roof inspection. Look for damaged shingles, flashing, or signs of wear. Ensuring your roof is in good condition helps prevent leaks, ice dams, and structural damage during heavy snowfalls.

Call Restor Co today to schedule your Roof Inspection: (573) 472-0441

6. Clean Solar Panels
Dirt and debris reduce the efficiency of solar panels. Clean your panels in mid-October to maximize energy production during the winter months.

Call Restor Co today for a free quote on Solar Panel Cleaning: (573) 472-0441

7. Winterize Your Sprinkler System and Outdoor Faucets
Before the first frost, drain your sprinkler system and outdoor faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, which can lead to costly repairs.

8. Clean Fireplace Flues
Before lighting your first fire, have your chimney professionally cleaned to remove creosote buildup, which is a major fire hazard. A clean chimney also improves air quality inside your home.

9. Prepare Your Lawn and Garden
Aerate your lawn and apply fall fertilizer to promote healthy root growth. Raking leaves and cleaning up garden beds will protect your lawn during the winter and make spring cleanup easier.

10. Inspect and Test Safety Features
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replace batteries, and check the expiration dates on fire extinguishers. Having these devices in working order is essential for your family’s safety during the colder months.

Final Thoughts

By spending a little time on fall home maintenance, you can save money, prevent damage, and enjoy a more comfortable home this winter. Focus on critical areas like your heating system, roof, gutters, windows, and outdoor plumbing to keep your home running smoothly throughout the season.