Prep Your Home for Unpredictable Storms in Ellicott City and Columbia

Stay Ready for Winter and Rain Storms with Help from Clarks Ace Hardware

Anyone who lives in the Baltimore-Washington DC metropolitan area should be prepared for storms. The weather in this part of the country can be unpredictable year-round. Heavy rain, snow, and hurricanes are always a possibility. We offer a complete line of storm supplies in Ellicott City and Columbia.   

Winter Storm Preparedness

Areas north and west of Baltimore typically get about 20 inches of snow annually. Whilethis is less than many other parts of the country, severe winter storms can and do occur. The following are items you should have on hand when the weather gets snowy and icy.

Ice Melt for a Safer Driveway

Ice melt products are convenient for your driveway, sidewalk, or area in front of your business. We carry Ace and Safe Step products, including  20 to 50-pound containers that melt ice down to temperatures of -10 degrees. Ice melt also prevents ice from forming after rain or snow.  

We also have Magnesium Chloride/Sodium Chloride Granule Ice Melt and Calcium Chloride Pellet Ice Melt. Both granules and pellets work quickly to melt ice. If you have pets, be sure to use ice melt that isn’t toxic to them, such as Magnesium Chloride Pet-Friendly Crystal Ice Melt. 

Get Prepped for Storms at Your Nearest Clarks Ace Hardware

Products For Snow Removal

We carry electric, gas-powered, and battery-operated snow blowers to clear snow from your home or business. A snow blower is a great investment to remove snow while minimizing heavy shoveling. They are especially useful when dealing with packed snow and ice. We have Ego, Toro, and Ariens snow blower models.

You should always have a couple of sturdy snow shovels on hand. Even if you use a snow blower, shovels are useful for removing snow from smaller areas. Ice scrapers and brushes are essential for getting snow and ice from your vehicles. 

Additional Winter Storm Items

• Winter gloves and hats — Make sure you’re prepared for spending time outdoors when it’s cold and stormy.
• Hand Warmers —Efficient for keeping your hands and whole body warmer. 
• Flashlights — You should always have multiple flashlights and extra batteries on hand for emergencies. Blackouts can occur with any type of extreme weather.

Tropical Storms, Hurricanes, and Tornadoes

Maryland is on the Atlantic coast and is subject to severe storms. Hurricanes are most likely during hurricane season, from June 1 to November 30. Maryland gets hit with an average of four tornadoes per year. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and tropical storms can bring high winds, fires, and flooding. The following should be on your checklist for these events.

Essential Safety Gear

Have a fire extinguisher nearby at all times.  Storms increase the risk of fire. You should also have a carbon monoxide detector.  Both winter storms and hurricanes increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Bottled Water to Stay Hydrated

It’s always good to have a supply of drinking water on hand. Storms can cause chemicals, sewage overflow, and random debris to enter water supplies. If there’s a storm, pay attention to warnings about water safety.

Prepare For Power Outages

Severe storms may cause extended blackouts. Flashlights and a battery-powered radio will help you get through power outages. Make sure you have extra batteries. The most important sizes to stock up on are AA, AAA, 9V, C, and D. You may also want to invest in a generator. 

 Flashlights are the best alternative source of light for power outages. Candles can be dangerous as it’s easy to forget about them or knock them over and cause a fire. If you do use candles, make sure they are in secure holders and kept away from anything flammable. 

Flooding and Other Water-Related Events

Floods can occur due to heavy rain due to storms. As a coastal region, Maryland is most prone to flooding during the storm/hurricane season of June 1 to November 30. Flooding can also occur in winter if pipes freeze and burst or due to any leaks or plumbing issues.

Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and in good condition. Hoses or leaf blowers can be used to clean them out. Drains and ditches on your property should be clear. Leaves and other debris can reduce the effectiveness of drains.

Prevent and Manage the Flow of Water

Test your sump pump regularly. When needed, get it repaired or replaced. Quick Dam products are an efficient flood control solution that activates when water hits them. Sandbags are another useful item to manage floods. They can be used as a barrier to divert the flow of water. 

General Storm Prep and Recovery Tips

Being prepared before a storm helps you minimize damage and personal safety. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind before and following a storm or severe weather. 

Secure Leaks

Water and snow can enter through openings. Check doors and windows and make sure they are secure, both before and after storms. Don’t forget the basement, patio, and other doors. Ask about our patio screen repair in Columbia to repair any damage to porches, patios, and screens. 

 The condition of your roof is a major factor for storms as well.  Storms can cause damage to roofs such as broken tiles or shingles, so be sure to also inspect your roof after a storm. 

Stock Up on Essential Items

Buy extra non-perishable food and water so you’re well stocked in case traveling is limited or stores are closed. 

Important Safety Tips For Storms

• Stay updated on weather forecasts. Keep a battery-operated radio in case of power, cable, or internet go out. For severe storms and floods, be alert for orders to evacuate. Have an evacuation plan in case you need to leave your premises quickly. 
• Do not drink, shower with, or wash dishes with flood water, which may be contaminated.
• If it’s cold, keep water trickling overnight to prevent pipes from freezing.
• After the storm, take inventory and look for damage. Photograph and record any damage for insurance purposes. 

Be Prepared For the Next Storm

Storms are a fact of life in many places, including Maryland. With the right preparations, you can feel confident that you’ll be able to get through any type of weather.  Stay informed about upcoming storms and get stocked up on storm supplies in Ellicott City and Columbia. Clarks Ace Hardware in Ellicott City has many products to help you prepare for storms. We have been serving the community for over 175 years. To find out more about our products and store hours, contact us.