Hurricane Sandy: Prep your yard for high winds

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Hurricane Sandy is expected to bring wind gusts of 50-60 miles per hour in Michiana. That could cause objects in your yard, like lawn chairs or Halloween decorations, to become projectiles.

Donnie Lacefield is cleaning up his yard. and for once it’s not to make his wife happy.

"I have three kids and they pretty much run the yard,” said Lacefield.

Hurricane Sandy isn't impacting the area directly, but high winds close to 50 miles per hour could turn common yard items into projectiles.

"If there are loose objects around your yard, pick them up and put them in the garage and shed. So if you've got your rake out and you were raking over the weekend put it away,” said Doug Farmwald, Emergency Services Coordinator American Red Cross.

The Red Cross said even if you don't believe the severe weather is going to get bad, it's better to be safe than chasing the contents of your yard in the pouring rain.

"I didn't think it was going to be as bad as what they're saying it’s going to be so I don't know what I'm going to do with the trampoline and all that stuff but it’s going to have to be moved or its going to be the neighbor's trampoline,” said Lacefield.

Severe winds often send trees into power lines so it's always best to have a back-up plan.

"If the power goes out I have a generator but I'm not very precautionary,” said Lacefield.

He's now officially ready – and hopes his wife will appreciate the new and improved yard.

"As long as the kids are safe and the door is locked, I'm pretty much just go with the flow. This is Indiana. This is what happens,” said Lacefield.

The Red Cross said wind advisories are not unusual for this time of year.

Because of possible power outages, if you use a medical device, make sure you have a battery back-up.

Flash lights and bottled water are always good to have handy.

If you have pets outside – make sure they have shelter from the high winds.