Dos when preparing for severe storms.

The following is a list of tips to help ensure you prepared for potentially devastating storms:

To protect your home against sewage backups. During floods, sewage can back up through your home’s drainpipes (a situation that’s potentially damaging to your home, hazardous to your health, and just plain icky). Installing a backflow valve in your sewer line can prevent this.

Do consider a battery-powered sump pump. If you have a basement that’s prone to dampness, you probably have a sump pump to drain out excess water. But if the power goes out, so will your sump pump. A portable backup pump can help remove excess water from rain or melted snow before it causes damage.

Do stock up on sandbags. Sandbag materials are available at home supply stores. Local authorities may also supply them if a major storm’s coming. Place sandbags against ground-level exterior doors, window wells, drainage holes, and other points of entry. They won’t create a watertight seal, but they can help divert water around your building. Sandbags are heavy and difficult to handle, so enlist the help of others when filling and carrying them.

Do protect with plywood. Sheets of low-grade plywood placed over windows, vents, and doors can help keep water out and protect against tree branches or other flying objects. Ensure the sheets overlap the openings by several inches and use at least 4 nails or screws to secure them.

Do clear debris from your rain gutters, storm drains, and sidewalks. Leaves, pinecones, sticks, and other debris can clog drains and pipes and cause flooding.

Do close your window drapes or blinds. If you don’t have shutters or other window coverings, this precaution can help keep the broken glass from flying into your house.

Do elevate your valuables. Move items to upper shelves (or ideally, higher floors) to protect them from floodwater.

Do fill up your car(s). If the power goes out, gas station pumps may not be operating.

Do flood-proof your heating and electrical systems. If you live in a flood-prone area, it’s a good idea to elevate your utility systems (furnace, fuse box, electrical panel, etc.) at least one foot above the highest-known local flood level. Appliances like washers, dryers, and water heaters should also be raised on water-resistant bases or moved to a higher floor of your home.

Don’ts when preparing for severe storms

Don’t try to create a fortress of sandbags around your house. This can trap water between the bags and the building and cause structural damage.

Don’t drain your swimming pool. It might seem like a good idea to empty the pool so it won’t get contaminated or overflow. However, storms often cause underground water tables to rise, which can force your pool out of the ground if it isn’t weighted down.

Don’t go into a flooded basement. Electrical wiring below the water level creates a risk of electrocution, so have your energy company turn off the power before heading downstairs.