How to prepare your home for rainstorms before the next big storm hits

COLORADO SPRINGS — A clogged gutter or poor drainage around your foundation might seem like minor issues — but after the next big storm, they can turn into major headaches.

Lynn Ruck of Rainwater Solutions Inc says homeowners should either store or divert rainwater off their property.

"People are so surprised with how much water would come off their roof," Ruck said.

Ruck said the key question every homeowner should ask is how to manage that rainwater.

"To divert that excess rainwater into your yard so it will percolate into the grass or into a planting bed or some people just want to get the rainwater away from their home's foundation so there's no erosion," Ruck said.

A good way to know if your home is rain ready is by checking your gutters.

"As far as your gutters go, it is important to keep your gutters clean. Debris will come down your gutter," Ruck said.

Look for sticks, leaves or anything that could block rainwater from flowing through the gutters properly.

"Everybody's roof is different. Their gutter systems are, you know, collecting different amounts of water off their roof," Ruck said.

Ruck also recommends having a rain barrel to collect stormwater.

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"It's an easy way to just store a little bit of rainwater. It's healthier for your plants and it is a nice little security to have, you know, now you've got 50 gallons out there if you need it when times get dry," Ruck said.

In addition to managing rainwater, here are a few more steps to get your home prepared for a storm:

• Secure or cover outdoor furniture
• Make sure you have extra batteries
• Double check that doors and windows are properly sealed to prevent leaks

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