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Ahhhh spring and summer: Wild flowers are in bloom, the kids are finishing up with school, homes sales are through the roof, and … storms are brewing. While warm breezes bring the temps we all love in Central Texas, they can also create the perfect environment for severe thunderstorms, including risks of damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes.

While we know you would rather focus on the fun in the sun topics of summer, this is important! According to ADT, thunderstorms cause an astonishing $15 billion in property damage each year, while hailstorms alone are responsible for $1 billion in damage. So take a moment to see how you can best prepare your home for severe storms this season with these tips that can offer peace of mind:

1. Prepare an emergency kit. Summer storms are notorious for hitting at night, and the last thing you want to do is scramble to assemble these necessities that can make a difference in severe situations. Create a stash of easy-to-find tools and resources you can quickly access in case of an emergency. Here are our top suggestions:
   • Flashlights with new batteries
   • Cell phones with charged battery packs
   • First aid kit
   • Bottled water
   • Non-perishable snacks
   • Blankets and/or jackets
   • Shoes with sturdy soles
   • If you have pets, include leashes and/or harnesses so you can keep them with you as you and your family shelter for safety.

• Know where to go and have a plan. Again, preparation is everything and you don’t want to leave any doubt about where your family should go in case of a disaster. Identify the safest structure in your home (few Central Texas homes have basements, so the best bet is either a storm shelter or interior room of your home without windows).

• Remove excess limbs and branches. Trees pose a significant threat to your windows and roof in high winds, so do yourself a favor and face the problem head on. Cut down unwanted limbs and trim your trees (or hire professionals!) early in the season.

• Park your vehicles in the garage if possible and secure outdoor items that could become airborne, such as patio furniture and grills.

• Have your roof and foundation inspected routinely. Did you know cracks in the roof are the leading cause of residential flood damage? Make sure you start storm season off prepared for what’s ahead.

• Take warnings seriously. Our local meteorologists are equipped with great tools to keep us informed of weather threats. Stay tuned to the news, set weather notifications on your mobile devices, and remember the difference between a watch and warning:

• Watch: Typically issued in advance of a weather event, this indicates conditions are favorable for a storm to develop.
• Warning: A warning confirms a weather event (thunderstorm, tornado, flood, etc.) and indicates conditions that pose a threat to life and/or property.

Summertime is one of the best times to embrace the Texas outdoors and at home, but it’s best to do it safely. Follow these tips and join the conversation on Instagram and Facebook for more insight from our home inspection team. Stay safe, Central Texas!

While we love to have fun on the pod, tool safety is no laughing matter. Some recent close calls inspired us to touch base on tool safety tips for the average home owner. Join in this week as Randy shares his number one safety mantra from his construction days, learn why reading the manual is always important, and approach the question: what risks are really worth taking?

Stay safe, stay healthy, and thanks for listening!

Well friends, after perhaps the harshest Central Texas winter on record (certainly in my decades here), we have made it to spring. Although the vernal equinox is nearly a week away, I always set my seasonal calendar by the start of daylight saving time (quick reminder to check those clocks!), and am ready to celebrate blooming wildflowers and warmer weather, Texas style.

With our last frost (hopefully) in the rearview mirror, it’s time to set our sights on landscaping and establishing beautiful curb appeal whether you intend to list your home or are just putting down roots. First things first, clean off your gardening tools and equipment that have been in storage for a few months and get ready to put in some elbow grease. If you accept the challenge, here are a few tips to keep your lawn and garden beautiful all spring and summer, courtesy of the Central Texas Gardener:

1. Now is the time to plant trees, shrubs, and roses. Even though we’re still recovering from winter, it won’t be long before it’s too hot for these plants to settle in. It’s also a great time to plant perennials, grasses, and herbs.
2. If a vegetable garden is in your future, seed your tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, corn, and get the full planting guide from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
3. Prune your shrubs, roses, and grasses, and damaged oaks. However, if you need help clearing debris or structurally trimming large sections (especially casualties from this year’s heavy ice) be sure to contact a professional arborist.
4. Although it’s tempting, don’t fertilize your lawn quite yet. I always recommend waiting until April, though March is the perfect time to add a high nitrogen fertilizer to your citrus trees. Use that extra time this month to mulch and weed instead!

By following these tips, you can get your yard and plants in tip-top shape for spring. Enjoy your time outdoors and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more monthly home maintenance tips!