Hurricane season is here. How are you preparing for it?
Storm prep and cleanup are often in the back of everyone’s minds, but we are quickly reminded it is here when peak season hits in August and September. The East Coast usually gets hit the hardest with Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and the Carolinas being the top states impacted (NOAA). The strong winds and incessant rain start knocking down mother nature and we quickly start wishing we had a chainsaw in our tool shed. Whether you’re experiencing hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, or heavy thunderstorms, this blog is here to guide you through the storm with Worx Storm Season Essentials.
Storm Prep. Get ready with us!
- Stay Connected and Ready
- Build an Emergency Plan
- Plan for Power Outages
- Clean Up the Outdoors
- Other Worx Storm Essentials
Stay Connected and Ready
Storms can keep you on your toes with the uncertainty of what could happen, but you can prepare by staying connected. Ensure you check the weather forecasts regularly, sign up for emergency alerts, and stay up to date on your local news, whether it’s on your TV, phone, radio, or even social media. These steps will help give you peace of mind as you get ready for the storm.
Build an Emergency Plan
Ensure all family members know how to communicate and where to meet if separated. Identify multiple evacuation routes and ensure all family members are familiar with them. Make a list of emergency contacts, including family members, neighbors, and local emergency services. Ensure you know how to turn on and turn off utilities such as gas, water, and electricity if needed. It is a good idea to prepare an emergency kit – include water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and a multi-tool.
Plan for Power Outages
Before the storm, if you anticipate the powerlines to your property get impacted, charge up any batteries you may have. If you have a battery platform of tools (such as flashlights, fans, power tools, or yard tools), stock up on those batteries so you can rely on batteries during and after the storm for the cleanup and basic needs. Even better, if you already own Worx battery-powered tools – make sure you fully charge the batteries. If you worry that the runtime will not last you, consider a higher amp-hour (Ah) battery, which means the juice in the larger battery will keep you going for longer. Worx offers batteries at 1.5 Ah, 2 Ah, 2.5 Ah, 4 Ah, and 8 Ah capacities. All Worx PowerShare batteries are 20V, but if your product has two slots for batteries, the voltage power of the product goes up to 40V. Remember, the bigger the battery, the more juice and longer runtime. The more the batteries, the higher the voltage.
We strongly believe that batteries are the future, but unless you own an EV or one of those fancy battery generators, you still need to fuel up the big players before the storm. Fuel your vehicle and while you’re at it, pick up some gas for your generator. And don’t forget to check the generator to make sure it’s in good working condition.
Clean Up the Outdoors
Strong winds will take what they will so you may want to secure your furniture or bring it inside along with any decorations and garbage cans to prevent them from becoming projectiles. If you need to move heavy or bulky items, consider using the Worx Aerocart. This 8-in-1, versatile yard cart can also act as a dolly or wheelbarrow. There are endless creative ways you can use it! (If you find more than 8 ways of using the Aerocart, tag us on social media @WorxTools.)
Weak or dead branches are the first thing to fall during a storm, take the time to trim down your trees and do some damage prevention. If you need help picking the right cutting tool, check out the Chainsaw Buying Guide and we will help you find the perfect tool for your needs.
Another easily overlooked task is to clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage to the roof. Blocked pipes can produce water overflow and cause damage to roofing materials. You can check out the Worx GutterPro Gutter Cleaning Kit to accomplish this job. To use, simply pair it with any Worx Blower (or most blowers from other brands). If you have a LeafJet blower (WG585 or WG543), look for the LeafJet GutterPro Attachment. The airflow from the leaf blower through the elongated tubes will allow you to reach high and clear leaves and pine needles in your gutter.
Other Worx Storm Essentials
Worx LED Flashlight (WX027L)
This multi-function LED light with a telescoping design acts as a flashlight, standing light, and an emergency light. The head of this flashlight also pivots 70 degrees, allowing for various angles of light to shine. Bring it everywhere around your house when the power goes out and set it down as a standing light when you’re busy handling another task. Other lights are also available for more specific applications.
Worx Work Fan (WX095L)
Whether you’re waiting for the storm to pass or doing work to clean up the storm mess, it can get unbearably hot and stuffy indoors or outdoors. The Worx Fan keeps you cool while it runs both on battery and off a power outlet so you can save the juice in the battery for when you really need it. If you want to step up your game and really beat the heat, check out the Worx Misting Fan.
For more storm prep tips, check out tips from the Red Cross and NOAA.
Get ready for storm clean up!
After the storm, the real work starts. Note that safety always comes first. If you experience major damage such as exposed power lines or excess property damage, please contact local authorities and professionals for assistance. Here are 6 steps to get you through the next storm cleanup.
- Assess Damage
- Gather Necessary Tools
- Start Small
- Handle Larger Debris
- Sorting and Disposal
- Final Touches
Assess Damage
Before starting, survey the yard for hazards such as downed power lines, gas leaks, or sharp objects. If you encounter any dangerous situations, contact emergency services immediately. Be sure to equip yourself with protective gear like gloves, safety glasses, long pants, and a hard hat to protect against debris and potential injuries.
Gather Necessary Tools
Tools you may need to have handy:
- Rake
- Shovel
- Chainsaw (See our Chainsaw Buying Guide)
- Pruners or Loppers
- Wheelbarrow or Garden Cart
- Leaf Blower
- Tarps
- Trash Bags
- Ladder
Start Small
Start with removing debris from paths and driveways to ensure safe access. According to Pete Denley, a Product Manager specializing in Lawn & Garden Tools at Worx, it is recommended to start small and work your way up to the bigger jobs. You can start with picking up debris like small branches, leaves, and other loose debris. Use a rake and leaf blower (we recommend the LeafJet Cordless Leaf Blower) and shovel to gather and place them onto tarps or into trash bags for easy disposal.
Handle Larger Debris
Once you get to the larger branches and logs, use a chainsaw or handsaw to cut larger branches into manageable pieces. We recommend a chainsaw so you won’t tire yourself out. If your job is big, we recommend the Worx Nitro 16” Chainsaw (WG385) to ensure the most efficient cut. If you don’t anticipate using a chainsaw frequently or have a lot of larger trees to cut, and you’d like some versatility, we recommend the 10” Cordless Pole Saw / Chainsaw (WG323). The elongated pole on the WG323 will give you extra reach for taller branches. Always follow safety guidelines when using a chainsaw. If a tree is large or poses a risk, consider hiring a professional tree removal service.
Once the logs and branches have been sawn up, prune any broken or damaged branches from shrubs and trees. Make clean cuts to promote healthy regrowth. We recommend the Worx Nitro 5” Pruning Saw (WG325) for these jobs. The tool is as portable as a drill, but still provides uncompromised sawing power. You can easily saw through any stubborn branches to pave the way for perfect regrowth.
Sorting and Disposal
Disposal can take a lot of work. Separate organic materials (leaves, branches) from other debris (plastic, metal). This can simplify disposal and recycling.
If you have a compost bin, add leaves and small branches. Remember you can always use a Pruning Saw or a lopper to chop branches and logs into smaller pieces to make disposal easier. To clear up leaves, wait for them to dry and use the Worx LeafPro Universal Collection System to simplify the process. For non-organic debris, bag them up and check local guidelines for disposal. Many communities offer special storm debris collection services.
Final Touches
Just like in storm prep, ensure gutters and drains are clear to prevent water damage or future flooding. Use the Worx GutterPro Gutter Cleaning System to reach up high and clear any blockages from leaves or debris in the gutter or along the roof. For any leaves and remaining debris in your yard or the driveway, we recommend the Worx LeafJet Leaf Blower (WG543) for its maneuverability and compactness for light cleaning.
If you need to collect leaves and debris into a trash can, consider any of the Worx Trivacs, which can blow, vac, and mulch all in one tool. Our recommendation is the Worx Trivac 3-in-1 Blower (WG512), which has a mulch ratio of 16:1, meaning that it can turn 16 bags of leaves into 1 bag. There is a collection bag that comes with the tool, but if you foresee what you have exceeding the bag’s capacity (meaning you have tons of leaves), consider getting a LeafPro accessory (WA4058), which connects to Trivac directly to a trash can through a mesh hood. The Trivac and LeafPro attachment will seamlessly transfer a pile of leaves and debris to a trash can.
To ensure a healthy lawn, consider using the Worx 40V Dethatcher (WG855) to remove any debris that might suffocate grass and help aerate the lawn to set the stage for healthy grass growth after the storm. Consider planting new grass by overseeding if you notice decreased density of your lawn or empty patches.
We know that was a lot! But we want to make sure you’re covered on storm prep and storm cleanup needs. You can find more resources on FEMA and information from your local authorities.
We hope everyone stays safe, and remember that Worx PowerShare is here to support you through the storm season!
