Why trim trees in spring specifically?

High wind turns weak branches into projectiles, and trimming before severe thunderstorm and tornado season is the single most effective yard task for reducing storm damage risk.

How often should smoke and CO alarm batteries be checked?

Twice a year is the common guideline, and pairing it with a seasonal changeover, like spring and fall, makes it easy to remember. Replace any alarm older than 10 years regardless of battery status.

What is a home video inventory and why do it in spring?

A ten-minute phone walkthrough of your home and belongings, stored in the cloud, becomes the backbone of an insurance claim. Doing it before severe weather season means the record already exists if a storm causes damage.

Should I service my air conditioner in spring?

Yes. An AC system checked before the season is far less likely to fail during the first heat wave, when service calls run longest and technicians are hardest to book.

Seasonal Checklist

Spring Seasonal Checklist. Trim the risk before the first severe storm.

Spring brings the start of severe thunderstorm and tornado season in most of the country, along with the last easy window to service equipment before summer heat arrives. This checklist covers trimming the yard risk, confirming the systems, and refreshing the household records that make recovery easier if a storm does hit.

2x/yr

recommended smoke and CO alarm battery check

severe weather season most of the country shares

10 min

to walk through and photograph your home

$40

typical cost of a battery or hand-crank weather radio

Task 1

Storm Season Prep.

Weak branches and an out-of-date alert system are the two easiest risks to fix before the first severe storm.

Yard

Trim trees and branches near your home and power lines

Alerts

Get a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio
Know the difference between a Watch and a Warning, and know your county

Task 2

Equipment and Systems Check.

Air conditioning serviced in spring runs cleaner through summer, and a battery check twice a year keeps every alarm honest.

HVAC

Have your heating and cooling systems serviced before their season

Alarms and Surge Protection

Confirm working smoke alarms on every level and in every bedroom
Confirm working carbon monoxide alarms in your home
Keep spare batteries stocked and grouped by size
Surge protectors on major electronics

Task 3

Documents and Home Records.

A record made before the storm is worth far more than one made after.

Records

Review your insurance policies and know your coverage limits
Make a photo or video walkthrough of your home and belongings

Gear

Essentials. Start here.

A handful of items cover the storm-prep and equipment gaps spring brings.

Browse all gear reviews →

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