The wind is really picking up outside and it looks like there might be even more wind in the forecast later in the week. Below are some tips to help keep you and your home safe in a windstorm.

- Go out in your yard and collect any loose items that may blow away in a storm. Lawn chairs, lawn ornaments and even trampolines are example of items that tend to take flight in storms.

-Check out your fencing around your home that might need repair to assure the wind does not further damage it and potentially let your pets out of the yard.

- Be sure to check for loose or missing shingles on your roof or chimney flue caps which may have become loose. Damaged or loose flues can allow deadly carbon monoxide to enter a home.

-Be sure to have trees and branches trimmed back from your home to prevent damage when wind may batter them around.

-Have at least a 72 hour supply of food, water, flashlights, batteries, medicine & etc in case of power outages & the potential inability to leave your home due to blocked roads or other issues.

-Check your windows for cracks that may leave your windows vulnerable during a storm. If a window has a small crack it can sometimes spread in extreme winds causing it to shatter.

- After a storm be sure and remove debris from yard as this can attract insects and lead to problems in and around your home.

Hope everyone stays safe and warm in tonight’s windstorm!

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