Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The first of the summer rains will arrive soon. There is no better time than right now to get your home ready for the annual deluge so you can be sure that your property is ready to weather any storm.

The average amount of rainfall in the Puerto Vallarta area between the beginning of June and the end of September is about 47 inches/119 centimeters. That's a good deal of rain in a relatively short amount of time, so being prepared is key.

Here are some tips for preparing your home for the rainy season so you can keep your family high and dry, and save yourself in repair costs.

Start at the top and work your way down. Thoroughly check the roof for cracks. Remember that the crack may not correspond to where the drip is located in the home below. Look for places where the water pools and make sure all drains are free of debris. If you have roof tiles, make sure to replace the ones that are broken or cracked.

Inside your home, check for spots that look damp or other signs of water leakage. This could be water rings, mold or wall or ceiling discoloration. Make any necessary repairs to fix the issue and prevent it from happening again during the upcoming rainy season.

Tackle your doors and your windows. Make sure they close and seal properly. Then make any repairs or improvements as necessary. These openings and other parts of the house made of wood can sustain water damage if it's constantly absorbing it. Remember to apply a fresh coat of waterproof varnish for protection.

Do garden maintenance and be sure dead branches and overhanging vegetation has been cleared from around the house. This will reduce the risk that they will fall during a storm and cause damage.

If you have a swimming pool, remember to drain it around halfway so that it won’t overflow and ruin your landscape or enter your home.

When your home is constantly exposed to rain unprotected, it can lead to foundation damage. Don't forget to run these checks and make the necessary repairs to prevent them from getting worse.

Many leave Puerto Vallarta for the summer months. If you do, it is imperative that someone is physically checking your property regularly. A good management and maintenance service can assist you during your absence. A member of your hired team should visit your home or condo weekly. That way they can make sure all repairs for water damage, mold, mildew and other items are taken care of promptly so you don't have to worry about your Mexican home while you are away.

With the proper preparation you can enjoy the awesome rain and thunderstorms without keeping towels and buckets at the ready.