Severe Weather Preparedness: What Steps Should You Take to Protect Your Home?

Spring storms can be unpredictable, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and even power outages to Daphne, Malbis, Loxley, Fairhope, and surrounding areas. This weekend, severe weather is expected to bring risks of hail, damaging wind gusts, and flash flooding across southern Alabama. A couple of tornadoes cannot be ruled out. With the potential for hazardous conditions, now is the time to ensure your home is storm-ready.

At Baldwin Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, we want to help you protect your home before the storm and recover quickly afterward. By preparing your HVAC, plumbing, and generator systems, you can minimize damage and keep your household safe during severe weather.

How to Prepare Your Home for Severe Weather

1. Secure Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system is one of your home’s most important comfort systems, and it’s also vulnerable to severe weather.

• Schedule an inspection to ensure your AC and heating system are in good working condition.
• Install a surge protector to protect your system from lightning-induced power surges.
• Clear debris from around your outdoor unit to prevent clogging or wind damage.

2. Prepare Your Backup Generator

A whole-home generator is essential for keeping your household running when the power goes out.

• Schedule a generator inspection to ensure it’s fully operational before the storm arrives.
• Keep extra fuel or maintenance supplies on hand to avoid downtime.
• Test your generator before the storm to confirm it’s ready to automatically restore power.

3. Prevent Plumbing Issues from Flooding & Heavy Rain

Heavy rain and flash flooding can cause major plumbing issues, leading to backups or damage.

• Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts to direct water away from your home.
• Test your sump pump to make sure it’s functioning properly in case of rising water levels.
• Know where your main water shutoff valve is located in case of an emergency leak or burst pipe.

4. Secure Outdoor Equipment & Prepare for High Winds

High winds can turn outdoor furniture and tools into dangerous projectiles, damaging your home or HVAC system.

• Tie down or store loose items such as patio furniture, grills, and lawn equipment.
• Trim trees and remove dead branches that could fall onto your home or power lines.
• Cover and protect outdoor HVAC units with a manufacturer-approved cover or shelter.

What to Do After the Storm Passes

Once the severe weather has moved through, it’s important to inspect your home’s essential systems before turning them back on.

• If you covered your AC unit, remove the cover immediately to prevent moisture buildup.
• Check your HVAC system for visible damage and schedule an inspection if needed.
• Inspect your generator for damage and ensure it’s operating safely before using it.
• Look for plumbing leaks or backed-up drains caused by excessive rainwater and schedule repairs as needed.

Stay Informed & Have a Plan

• Keep a weather radio or mobile alerts activated to track changing conditions.
• Prepare an emergency kit with flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water, and first aid supplies.
• Make a family emergency plan, including a safe location in case of tornado warnings.

Baldwin Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical Is Here for You

At Baldwin Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, we understand how unpredictable storms can be. Our experienced team is ready to provide HVAC, plumbing, and generator services to help you prepare and recover quickly. Whether you need a whole-home generator installation, AC repair, or emergency plumbing assistance, we’re here to help.

Don’t wait until severe weather strikes—take action today to safeguard your home. Contact Baldwin Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical at (251) 286-5378 for professional inspections, installations, and storm recovery services.