WESLACO – People still have time to make some quick preparations to secure their home and property. Wind conditions are expected as the storm sideswipes the Rio Grande Valley.

Frances Perez, a Valley hardware expert, said residents might want to consider two things to protect your property against high winds.

First, secure anything you might have outside with ropes or ties. Make sure you anchor that rope to a secure point.

If you need to create a secure point, go out and buy a ground anchor. It’s a pole you can twist into the ground.

Second, she said you should consider taping windows with masking tape. If the windows shatter, the masking tape will help contain the damage. It works for older windows that are not double-paneled.

“If you have a lot of windows around you house, make sure you have everything anchored down,” she said.

The Weslaco hardware store she works for recommends picking up flashlights and water in case you’re stranded and your utilities are down.