Posted on August 1st, 2025.

 

Hurricanes rarely announce themselves politely. One moment, it’s an ordinary day, and the next, news alerts fill the airwaves with warnings of high winds, heavy rains, and potential flooding.

 

While many homeowners immediately think of boarding windows, sandbagging low points, and stocking up on bottled water, there’s another aspect of hurricane preparation that is often underestimated: securing the outdoors.

 

 

Your yard and driveway are filled with objects that seem harmless in calm weather but can become dangerous projectiles in hurricane-force winds. A single trash can rolling through the street can dent cars, break windows, or scatter debris into the neighborhood. Patio chairs, small garden decorations, children’s toys, or even potted plants can cause damage if carried by 80-mile-per-hour gusts.

 

By the time the storm arrives, you want to feel confident that your home is not only secure inside but safe outside. Properly securing trash cans, furniture, and outdoor items is one of the simplest yet most impactful steps you can take to protect your property, your neighbors, and your community. And if the thought of handling every detail yourself feels overwhelming, there are professional services that can ensure your outdoor items—especially trash cans—are managed with care before the winds pick up.

 

This article will walk you through why outdoor preparation is crucial, how to handle each type of item, and how professional services can save you stress during hurricane season.

 

Why Securing Outdoor Items Before a Hurricane Matters

A hurricane doesn’t just bring rain; it brings wind that transforms the ordinary into the hazardous. Understanding the risks is the first step in motivating thorough preparation.

 

The Hidden Dangers of Unsecured Items

Even small objects can become destructive in hurricane conditions:

• Trash cans: Lightweight when empty, they can travel down streets like battering rams.

• Lawn décor: Garden gnomes, solar lights, or planters can break windows or damage cars.

• Furniture and equipment: Patio sets, ladders, or grills can tip, break, or get carried away.

• Children’s items: Bicycles, scooters, and outdoor toys are easily lifted and tossed.

Windborne debris is a major contributor to home and vehicle damage during hurricanes. Moreover, unsecured items contribute to community-wide hazards, making roads impassable and complicating cleanup efforts.

 

 

How to Secure Trash Cans for Hurricanes

Trash cans are one of the most common culprits of hurricane debris because of their lightweight, hollow design. Here’s how to keep them under control:

1. Bring Cans Indoors

The best defense is storage in a garage, shed, or basement. Moving cans inside ensures they won’t tip, roll, or break free during high winds.

 

2. Fill Cans to Add Weight

If indoor storage isn’t possible, add bags of soil, sand, or water jugs to keep them grounded. A weighted can is less likely to topple or blow away.

 

3. Secure Lids and Handles

• Lock the lids if possible.

• Use bungee cords or heavy straps to secure lids tightly to the handles.

• Tie cans together in pairs or groups to increase stability.

 

4. Use Professional Roll-Out and Return Services

When managing trash cans feels stressful—especially with garbage pickup schedules during storms—professional help saves time. Our Trash Can Roll Out & Return Service ensures your bins are placed properly and secured afterward, keeping your property storm-ready without extra worry.

 

 

Securing Patio Furniture and Yard Equipment

Outdoor furniture can become dangerous missiles if not properly secured. Follow these steps for common items:

• Chairs and tables: Stack lightweight chairs and store them indoors if possible. Tie larger pieces together and anchor to a sturdy post or wall.

• Umbrellas and canopies: Remove and store to prevent frame bending or fabric tearing.

• Grills and smokers: Move to a sheltered area, disconnect propane, and secure the lid.

• Garden décor and planters: Move inside or weigh down with sandbags. Even small solar lights or wind chimes can shatter glass if airborne.

 

 

Don’t Overlook Children’s and Pet Items

Outdoor play equipment and pet gear are often forgotten in last-minute prep but can cause just as much damage as larger objects.

• Bicycles and scooters: Move indoors or lock to a sturdy structure in a sheltered spot.

• Outdoor toys: Bring inside or secure in a large storage bin with a locking lid.

• Pet houses or kennels: Relocate indoors if safe or tether securely to a heavy object.

• Pool floats and inflatables: Deflate and store inside to prevent them from becoming airborne hazards.

 

 

Additional Outdoor Preparations for Hurricane Safety

Beyond securing obvious items, consider these additional steps for a complete outdoor safety plan:

1. Trim trees and shrubs before storm season to reduce falling branches.

2. Check fences and gates for loose boards or panels that could break away.

3. Clear gutters and drains to minimize water damage and flooding.

4. Store flammable items like propane tanks and fuel cans in safe, sheltered spots.

5. Turn off and secure outdoor utilities such as gas lines if recommended by authorities.

These steps complement trash can and furniture security to create a safer environment for your home and neighborhood.

 

 

The Role of Professional Services in Hurricane Prep

Managing all these details can be overwhelming, especially if storms threaten frequently in your area. Professional outdoor services can handle high-risk items like trash cans, helping you focus on protecting your home and family.

With our Trash Can Roll Out & Return Service, your bins are placed for pickup and returned securely—preventing them from being left out during high winds. This small step saves you time and stress while helping your neighborhood stay safer.

 

 

Secure Your Outdoor Space Before the Next Storm

Preparation is your first line of defense in hurricane season. By securing outdoor trash cans, furniture, and yard items, you protect not only your property but also your neighbors and community. A few hours of proactive effort can prevent days of costly cleanup and unnecessary danger.

 

Take the next step toward a worry-free hurricane season with help from professionals who handle the details for you. Schedule our Trash Can Roll Out & Return Service and stay ahead of the next storm.

Contact us at (910) 477-2441 or [email protected], or visit Cando Cans NC to get started.