Preparing Your Cowlitz County Home for Storm Season

Cowlitz County gets its share of severe weather — from heavy Pacific storms and persistent rain to high winds and occasional ice events. A little preparation before storm season can prevent costly damage and keep your family safe.

Here’s a storm preparation checklist from the Bueno Restoration team.

Inspect and Maintain Your Roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against storms.

• Check for damaged or missing shingles — Replace them before the next storm gives water an entry point.
• Inspect flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights — these are common leak points.
• Look for sagging or soft spots — These can indicate structural damage or water saturation.
• Check for moss and debris — PNW roofs are prone to moss buildup, which traps moisture and degrades shingles over time.

If you’re not comfortable on a roof, hire a professional for an annual inspection.

Clean and Repair Gutters

Clogged gutters are one of the most common (and preventable) causes of water damage in Cowlitz County.

• Clean gutters at least twice a year — once in late fall after leaves drop and once in early spring.
• Check downspouts — Make sure they’re clear and directing water at least 3–6 feet away from your foundation.
• Repair or replace damaged sections — Sagging, leaking, or detached gutters won’t protect your home.
• Consider gutter guards if you have large trees near your roof.

Check Your Drainage

Water needs somewhere to go. Make sure it’s not going into your home.

• Grade your yard away from the foundation — Soil should slope away from your house on all sides.
• Inspect your sump pump — If you have one, test it before storm season. Pour water into the pit to make sure it activates.
• Check French drains and yard drains — Clear any debris or blockages.
• Inspect your crawl space — Look for signs of past water intrusion. Consider a vapor barrier if you don’t have one.

Secure Outdoor Items

High winds can turn everyday objects into projectiles.

• Secure or store patio furniture, grills, and decorations before storms hit.
• Trim overhanging branches — Dead or weak branches near your home or power lines should be removed by a professional arborist.
• Check fences and outbuildings for loose boards or weak points.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Every Cowlitz County household should have a storm emergency kit:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• First aid kit
• Bottled water (one gallon per person per day for three days)
• Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
• Phone charger (battery pack)
• Important documents in a waterproof container
• Bueno Restoration’s number: (360) 555-1234

Know Your Insurance Coverage

Before a storm hits, review your homeowners insurance policy:

• Understand what’s covered — Most policies cover wind and rain damage, but flood damage typically requires separate coverage.
• Know your deductible — Some policies have separate wind/hail deductibles.
• Document your property — Take video of each room showing your belongings. Store it in the cloud.
• Keep your agent’s contact info handy — You’ll want to file quickly if damage occurs.

What to Do If Storm Damage Occurs

If your home is damaged in a storm:

1. Ensure everyone is safe
2. Call Bueno Restoration at (360) 555-1234 — we provide 24/7 emergency response including tarping and board-up
3. Document the damage with photos and video before any cleanup
4. Contact your insurance company to file a claim
5. Don’t attempt major cleanup or repairs yourself — wait for professionals

Be Ready, Not Worried

Storm season doesn’t have to mean anxiety season. A few hours of preparation can save you thousands in damage and weeks of disruption. And if a storm does hit, Bueno Restoration is here 24/7 to help Cowlitz County recover.

Storm damage emergency? Call Bueno Restoration at (360) 555-1234 for immediate response in Cowlitz County.