To prepare your yard for upcoming tropical storms or hurricanes, go through the following steps: • Turn off pool equipment, cover it with plastic, and add sandbags to keep it in place. • Bring the grill in, but leave the propane tank outside and secure it. • Turn tables upside down, stack chairs, and use sandbags to weigh them down. • Lay large potted plants on their side and place them tight together. • Bring small and light items inside. • Clean the gutters, downspouts, and storm drains. • Prune trees and shrubs away from home and get rid of debris. • Remove dead trees and shrubs and broken branches. • Turn the irrigation system off. Always check soil moisture before watering the lawn after heavy rain. • DO NOT fertilize the lawn if you expect heavy rain.