Nor'easter Prep: How to Protect Your Home from Storm Damage

As I reflect on surviving the recent nor'easter that brought heavy rains and gusty winds to coastal areas of Massachusetts, I've compiled a checklist of essential preparations for homeowners. Peak gusts reached 70 mph in some parts, causing power outages and downed tree limbs.

I took precautions by protecting my gutter system with Amerimax guards, which cost $1.98 per section at The Home Depot. These guards have kept my gutters clog-free since installation. To ensure proper water flow, I re-pitched the garage gutter to a ¼ inch slope for every 10 feet of run.

Other preventive measures included installing weather stripping on doors and replacing old threshold plates to prevent water entry. Loose items like flowerpots and hammocks were secured indoors to avoid becoming projectiles in high winds.

For future storms, I recommend investigating emergency power solutions, such as a generator or power bank, and assembling an emergency kit with essential supplies, including first aid kits, flashlights, and nonperishable food. A wet vac is also a valuable investment for post-storm cleanup.