While you’re probably spending more time at home this weekend to help stop the spread of COVID-19, it could be the perfect opportunity to prepare for upcoming severe storms.

As Severe Weather Awareness Week emphasized the importance of family preparedness and knowing what to do when a severe thunderstorm or tornado occurs, Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management Deputy Coordinator Jeremy Cooper says it’s just as important to think of what happens after the storm, “Every year when we’re out doing our storm spotting after a severe wind event or a tornado let’s say we find people’s trampolines or lawn furniture that’s been blown around. And that’s a good time when you have that ‘watch’ that morning that was issued to go out and maybe tie down that trampoline or put away that lawn furniture, because that’s one less thing of your property there that you’re going to lose.”

Cooper also recommends cutting down or trimming trees in your yard that may be in danger of falling on your home during a high-wind event. Some proactive measures to take in case of flood damage include moving valuable items to higher levels of your house, decluttering drains and gutters, installing check valves, considering a battery-powered sump pump, and purchasing or renewing your flood insurance policy with the National Flood Insurance Program.