Take the following steps to help prepare for the anticipated severe weather this weekend:

• Make sure your gutters are clear of debris so that they may drain properly.
• Make sure that your downspouts drain away from your house. If downspouts discharge rain close to your home, you are essentially doubling the amount of rain affecting you. Buy pieces of downspout at your hardware store and extend your downspouts away from the house if necessary.
• Put important items in your basement up on tables, or move them upstairs.
• If you have storm drains on your street, make sure the grate is clear and free of debris so that water can flow freely into drains.
• Also, be sure to stock up on fresh batteries for flashlights and other battery-powered items in the event of a power outage.