GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Our meteorologists are saying we could possibly see 20 inches of rain come in as a result of Hurricane Florence. It's a higher number than we deal with usually, so it's best to take time beforehand to make sure you're ready.
1. Clear Your Gutters
Flooding is one of our main concerns, so check your gutters, check your drains and clear them out. You want that water to go where it's supposed to go, not into your home.
"Those that have basements with sump pumps, expect they’ll be running in overtime so check and make sure they’re functioning properly," adds Pete Georges, General Manager at AdvantaClean of the Piedmont.
2. Sandbags
Sandbags are a good tool to use to block doorways, especially doorways in lower areas, and keep water out.
"Make sure you fill those sandbags about 2/3 of the way full, not all the way full," explains Georges. "That way when you lay them down, stack them on top of one another they’ll create a nice stack and seam without any gaps."
He also says mulch or soil bags won't work as effectively. They don't block water like sand does and in the long run, they'll probably create a mess by your door.
3. Seal Doors & Windows
Check your doors and windows and make sure they're shut tightly. You can even seal them to try to block water or reduce the amount that gets in by using a tarp and some duct tape.
"Lining the base of the door or the outside of the door with duct tape will help repel some of that water," Georges says.
Tom Garcia, with Southern Evergreen, also has another quick trick from home. He says check the sill of your door.
"On that sill you're going to see little screws. Sometimes there's a little cap on top. Remove the cap."
Screwing down will lift the sill up and screwing up will push it down.
"Go across your sill adjust each one of these screws and that way you can get rid of any gaps you might have and make it right so that rain can not get underneath your door."