Preparing your home for a storm | News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Joe Wilson, a contractor and an emergency management officer, said there are simple things you can do to prepare your home before a storm.

"So preparing ahead of time is key," he said.

Wilson said it starts with common sense. For example, don't leave potted plants and debris around your home.

"These things turn into missiles in a sense, in event of any hard blowing winds," he said.

A couple of quick visual inspections and routine maintenance could also protect you. Start with surrounding trees. 

"Make sure is it in tact and make sure it's not in any danger of breaking or breaking down, because that's certainly a good example of something that can damage a home," Wilson said.

He also recommended checking stability of windows, doors and gutters.