As the common adage goes, “April showers bring May flowers” but this year’s storm season is proving to bring much more than fresh blooms along with it. Families across the country were faced with heavy rain and snow this winter, and these harsh winter extremes show no signs of settling down. The National Weather Service has attributed the costs of U.S. property damages caused by rain to total approximately $2.85 million dollars every year, with more intensive flash flooding resulting in an additional $374.49 million dollars in property damages each year.

To see how important these weather patterns are to your household and to help you decide if preventative handyman services are needed for your home this season, let’s take a look at the National Climatic Data Center’s compilation of key areas affected by heavy rainfall:

Major US Cities With Over 45 inches of Precipitation Each Year:

1. New Orleans, Louisiana – 62.7 inches

2. Miami, Florida – 61.9 inches

3. Birmingham, Alabama – 53.7 inches

4. Memphis, Tennessee – 53.7 inches

5. Jacksonville, Florida – 52.4 inches

Major US Cities With Over 130 Days of Rain/Snow Each Year:

1. Rochester, New York – 167 days

2. Buffalo, New York – 167 days

3. Portland, Oregon – 164 days

4. Cleveland, Ohio – 155 days

5. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – 151

Areas like the Pacific Northwest, the Northern East Coast, and the South will receive the brunt of this year’s April showers. Families in these regions are the most susceptible to property damages caused by intense weather conditions, but households across the country can universally benefit from a few key handyman repair services and DIY projects to help protect homes from costly weather damages:

* Regardless of location, all families should be equipped with a household emergency supply kit as well as a communication and evacuation plan in case of emergency situations. This is the simplest and most cost-effective DIY way to prepare for the storm season.

* Local handyman services in your area can install ‘check valves’ on piping to prevent the backup of excess water and help keep your home’s drainage system running smoothly even under heavy rainfall.

* DIY homeowners can consider purchasing waterproof sealant from a local home improvement store, helping protect and seal sensitive walls in rooms like the basement or attic.

* Checking your roof for damaged shingles, broken seals, and clogged rain gutters can help prevent leaks and overflows that can lead to costly interior damage if not properly prevented. Consider using experienced handyman repair services to ensure safety when assessing risk-prone areas like high roofs.

* To avoid overflowing your garden and yard and to reduce the risk of potential damage to land and foundation, make sure to manually adjust your sprinkler systems to minimize watering times and days when not needed.

From Alabama to Oregon, homeowners across the country are gearing up for a cold and wet season of April showers this year. Use a mix of household DIY projects and professional handyman repair services to ensure that your home is just as prepared as you and your loved ones are for the upcoming spring weather. DIY projects can be completed with simple tools and supplies you can find at your local home improvement store, while professional handyman services from industry leaders like Handyman Connection are experienced in serving your regional area’s needs and can help tailor your home improvement goals to seasonal weather upkeep. A perfect balance that will ensure your home effortlessly survives the upcoming April showers, letting you and your loved ones enjoy the May flowers soon to come with safety, comfort, and peace-of-mind.