Getting the house ready for Santa Ana winds
Quick answer
Before a Santa Ana wind event, secure gates and screen doors, store or tie down outdoor furniture, check door seals and weatherstripping, and get a flashlight and charged battery ready in case the power goes out. Afterward, check for loose screens, latches and fence boards.
Santa Ana winds blow hot, dry air from the desert down through the San Gabriel Valley, usually in fall and winter. In Alhambra they bring dust, falling branches, slamming gates and the occasional power outage. A little preparation keeps the house tight and the yard in one piece.
Doors, gates and screens
- Screen and security doors with weak closers can slam hard. Make sure the closer and its safety chain are working.
- Gates that do not latch firmly will bang all night. Adjust the latch or add a gate stop.
- Window screens loosen in strong wind. Check the clips and spline.
- Weatherstripping keeps fine dust out. If you can see light around a closed door, dust can get in too.
Outdoor items
Patio umbrellas, lightweight chairs, trash bins and potted plants become projectiles. Close and store umbrellas, stack chairs against a wall, and move small pots to a sheltered corner. Make sure hanging plants and string lights are secured or taken down.
Power outages
Wind can bring down lines and trigger outages. Keep flashlights and fresh batteries where you can find them in the dark, charge phones and battery packs ahead of time, and know how to open your garage door manually.
Fire-weather awareness
Santa Ana conditions also raise fire risk. Clear dry leaves from gutters and from against the house, and keep flammable items away from the walls. Follow guidance from local authorities during red flag warnings.
After the wind
Walk the property once it calms down. Look for:
- Bent or torn screens
- Gates that now sag or will not latch
- Loose exterior light fixtures or covers
- Fence boards that came loose
- Branches resting on lines (do not touch these; call the utility)
Gate hardware
Gates that slam in the wind loosen their hinges and latches and can crack posts. Self-closing hinges and gravity latches keep gates shut. A cane bolt dropping into the ground or a hook and eye holds an open gate in place.
Heavy wood gates on older homes may sag; a turnbuckle anti-sag kit pulls the latch side back up. Check that gate posts are firm.
Screen door closers
Screen and security doors use pneumatic closers. In high winds, a door caught open can bend the closer or rip out its screws. A wind chain or a closer with a hold-open and wind-stop feature helps.
Adjust the closer's speed so the door closes firmly but does not slam. Replace closers that leak or no longer hold.
Window screens and awnings
Loose screens rattle and can blow out. Check that screen clips and springs are in place. Fabric awnings should be retracted during strong winds.
Trees and branches
Santa Ana winds break dead limbs and blow over weak trees. Have dead branches trimmed before fall. Do not attempt to trim near power lines; call the utility.
Fire safety
Santa Ana conditions bring red flag warnings. Clear dry leaves from gutters and roofs, keep firewood away from the house, and keep vents clear of debris. Ember-resistant vent screens help. Keep a go bag ready with documents, medication and supplies.
Our steps:
- Adjust and secure gates
- Check screen door closers and wind chains
- Secure window screens
- Store outdoor furniture and umbrellas
- Check exterior light fixtures and covers
- Clear gutters and dry leaves
Power outage prep
Southern California Edison sometimes shuts off power during high fire risk, called Public Safety Power Shutoffs. Sign up for alerts. Keep flashlights, batteries, a battery radio and phone chargers ready.
Know how to release the garage door opener manually. Keep the fridge closed to hold cold.
Dust
Fine dust gets in through gaps around doors and windows. Weatherstripping, door sweeps and caulk help. Change HVAC filters after windy periods.
After the wind
Check fences, gates, screens, and outdoor lights. See rain season checklist for the next season.
Fences
Wood fences with rotted posts can blow over in strong winds. Check posts for rot at ground level and loose boards. A fence that leans can often be braced or have posts replaced. Lattice and fence toppers catch wind and are often the first to break.
Exterior lights and covers
Porch lights and outdoor fixtures loosened by wind let in water and can fall. Tighten mounting screws, check glass shades, and replace cracked covers. Outdoor outlets should have in-use covers.
Outdoor decor
Wind chimes, flags, hanging planters and string lights can tear loose. Take them down during strong winds.
Pools and patios
Pool covers and patio covers catch wind. Secure or remove lightweight covers. Skim leaves from pools often, since wind fills them quickly. Clear patio drains so dust and leaves do not clog them before the first rain.
Cars and garages
Park cars away from trees when strong winds are forecast. Keep the garage door closed so wind does not get under it and damage it. Garage door panels can bend when wind pushes on an open door.
Elderly neighbors
During long outages, check on neighbors who rely on medical equipment that needs power.
Keep a broom, dustpan and contractor bags handy; cleanup after a long wind event is mostly leaves, dust and small branches.
What we can help with
We adjust and repair gates and doors, replace screen door closers, re-screen windows, swap weatherstripping and secure loose exterior fixtures. See door repair and light fixture replacement.
Once the wind dies down and the yard is cleaned up, we like a late lunch at Lunasia, which keeps serving dim sum well into the evening.
Want us to handle it?
Call or text (626) 684-3505, Mon–Sat 8:30 AM–7 PM. Send a photo and we will give you an upfront quote.
Call or text (626) 684-3505