Southwest Florida rainy season prep: What to check before downpours

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Homeowners should prepare their properties now before the rainy season fully arrives to avoid costly damage and repairs.

Cleaning out downspouts and gutters is essential because debris can clog them, leading to water backups and potential flooding. Homeowners should also inspect their roofs for cracked or missing shingles that can cause water to seep into the house.

Stains on ceilings inside the home could be a sign of a leak that needs to be fixed. Low water pressure at sinks could also indicate a leak.

Outdoor drainage systems should be checked because blocked drains can cause water to back up in yards or seep into foundations. Tree branches hanging over roofs should be trimmed because they could break off during a storm and cause damage.

Homeowners should inspect their foundations for cracks and seal gaps in doors and windows to prevent water from getting inside.

In older homes, sewer lines could become overwhelmed during heavy rains. Tree roots could also block sewer lines and cause backups.

Preparing for power outages by investing in surge protectors, backup generators or emergency kits is recommended.

Completing these tasks now is easier than waiting until a storm approaches as the rainy season intensifies and hurricane season deepens.