CLAY COUNTY – The month of May is all about your home, with Home Improvement Month and Hurricane Preparedness Month both being observed and both complementing each other.

As families often use this month to tackle those home improvement to-dos, as well as stock up on supplies and reinforcements for what experts say will be an active storm and hurricane season, there’s a lot to consider and wade through. The experts at Alpha Foundations, a growing structural stabilization and concrete repair company celebrating 20 years in business, offer some practical tips to help families prioritize, be prepared and stay safe.

Alpha's local experts suggest the following:

• May is a great time to give your home an annual check-up, a top-to-bottom look-over to make sure your home is healthy and in good shape. From the roof to the foundation, homeowners should address any lingering issues and consider a professional inspection.

Cracks in the ceiling, for example, could be the result of improper stabilization in the foundation. An odor in your home could indicate mold in your crawl space, and the best prescription could be encapsulation.

• Focus on critical repairs and maintenance first. This can include sealing gaps, fixing drips, cleaning out gutters, sealing the driveway and having your HVAC cleaned. If you have a pool, check carefully around the perimeter to ensure there are no cracks and that the pool is not losing water and leaking. Add foundation repair to your list. If there is an underlying foundation issue, spackle and paint won’t hide the issue.

• Grab the necessities – and don’t forget about the must-dos to protect your home. Chances are you already know the hurricane supply list -- the tried-and-true things to stock up on: batteries, gas for your generator and grill, non-perishable foods, and bottled water. Oftentimes, homeowners put off other important preparations. Take the time early on to protect your home and foundation, including trimming the trees on your property, ensuring doors and windows are secure to prevent water and wind leaks and checking your roof to ensure there are no loose shingles.

• Strengthen your home. Newer homes often do better to stand up against hurricanes than older structures that may not have undergone stricter building codes and can separate from their foundations in extreme conditions. Improved and corrected foundations and roofing, as well as floors that need to be lifted, can add crucial strength to your home.

• Before you remodel or update, consider your foundation. For full-out remodels or big projects, start at the foundation. Before you invest thousands of dollars to add a room or demo your bathroom, make sure your foundation is stable and level to build upon.

 The same goes for enhancing your outdoor patio area. While a new grill or outdoor furniture may be at the top of your purchase list, take the time to consider the aesthetics and safety of your concrete patio and pool deck first.