With the approach of tropical storm Debby and the forecast of 2” to 5”+ of rain expected, there are some things residential and commercial property owners can do around their buildings, homes, and properties to prepare and mitigate damage. Consider these best practices before it starts raining:

-Clear/clean your gutters and downspouts.

-Make sure there is a clear path away from your building or home for stormwater runoff to flow after it leaves your roof and/or downspouts.

-Use sandbags to block and/or divert stormwater runoff from flowing toward your buildings.

-Trim or remove dead branches from trees that are adjacent to buildings or structures.

-If you have problematic or historic areas of flooding around any doors, seal them with caulk or sandbags.

-Prepare for loss of power by charging cell phones in advance, having flashlights (with fresh batteries ready), and having an evacuation plan.

-If you have one, check your sump pump, and ensure it is in working order.

-Check storm inlet grates, pipes, and channels around your property for debris and alert the proper municipal agency (likely your Township, Borough, or City) if a clog is evident.

-Keep an eye on floor drains in case they start to back up. This can be difficult depending upon the conditions and their purpose; sometimes it makes sense to plug them to keep water and sewage from backing up into your house. Other times it makes sense to keep them open in the event of flooding so that they can drain stormwater runoff.

-If parts of your property are prone to flooding, don’t park vehicles or store materials in those areas.

-Do not wade into flood waters, particularly in your home or basement. There could be debris that is not visible, you may not be able to determine depth, the water could be charged with electricity, and flood waters are usually toxic and carry chemicals or raw sewage that can cause health issues. The same applies to driving into floodwaters.

Stay safe out there and feel free to share your weather-related photos with us!