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Things to do before the storm arrives

Here are some steps to take to keep hurricane damage to a minimum.

If you live inland, it isn't too late to take some steps to try to keep hurricane damage to a minimum.

If you have a sump pump and the sump is still dry, you might test the pump.

Pour about five gallons of water into the sump pump at about the speed water from your basement typically enters until the pump starts. Do not pour in more water than the sump will hold. The punp is likely to start when the water reaches about one foot from the top of the sump.

If your sump pump doesn't work, make sure the outlet into which it is plugged works, or that that circuit breaker to the outlet hasn't been tripped.

If your basement is prone to flooding, you should have all your valuables up high or stored elsewhere in the house.

If it isn't raining hard, go out and take a look at the downspouts and the perimeter of the house to make sure that water is draining away from the house. You may have to rake the leaves collecting at the downspouts away from them to clear the way for proper drainage.