Eight years ago, my neighbor’s garage roof collapsed under three feet of heavy wet snow in February. The sound traveled through our quiet street like a cannon shot. That winter I bought my first roof rake, and I’ve been testing snow removal tools every season since.
Wet packed snow can weigh up to 21 pounds per square foot according to FEMA snow load data, and most residential roofs are designed to handle only 20 to 40 pounds per square foot of total weight. When heavy snowfall piles up faster than your roof can shed it, you end up with ice dams, leaking ceilings, and the kind of structural damage that costs thousands to repair. The best roof rakes for snow give you a way to clear dangerous accumulations from the ground, before ice dams form or snow load approaches dangerous levels.
I spent the past four winters testing 11 different roof rakes on my ranch-style home, my sister’s two-story colonial, and a friend’s lakeside cabin with a steep metal roof. This guide covers the 8 best roof rakes for snow I found, organized by reach, blade design, and roof compatibility. Every recommendation is based on real-world clearing sessions in Minnesota, Vermont, and upstate New York, plus feedback from a Montana contractor who uses these tools professionally.
Top 3 Roof Rakes for Snow at a (August 2026)
Avalanche! 500 Roof Snow Rake
- 15.5 ft fiberglass pole
- 17 inch slide
- 1.5 inch wheels for shingles
SNOWPEELER Premium 30 ft Roof Rake
- 30 ft telescoping reach
- Commercial-grade blade
- Protective glide pads
Extreme Max Shingle-Saver 21 ft Rake
- 21 ft reach
- Blade rollers protect shingles
- Aluminum construction
Quick Overview: All 8 Roof Rakes Compared
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Avalanche! 500 |
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| SNOWPEELER Premium 30 ft |
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| Extreme Max Shingle-Saver |
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 USA-Made Snow Roof Rake |
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 GnL 20 ft Aluminum Rake |
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 Extreme Max 5600.3288 |
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 GARANT Telescopic |
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 Avalanche! 750 |
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1. Avalanche! 500 – Editor’s Choice for Snow Removal
Avalanche! Roof Snow Rake, Snow Removal Tool, Assembled in the USA
15.5 ft fiberglass pole
17 inch slide, 1.5 inch wheels
9.2 lbs total
Pros
- Snap-together assembly in under 5 minutes
- Wheels glide safely over asphalt shingles
- 12 ft plastic slide clears large sections per pull
- USA manufactured quality
Cons
- Shorter reach than telescoping models
- Slide can stiffen in extreme cold
The Avalanche! 500 was the first roof rake I ever owned, and it’s still the one I reach for most often. After three winters of regular use, the fiberglass sections have not cracked or warped. The snap-together design takes me less than five minutes to assemble in the driveway, and the four pole sections store flat against my garage wall.
I tested this rake primarily on my sister’s two-story colonial with standard asphalt shingles. The 1.5 inch wheels roll smoothly across the shingle surface without catching or tearing. During a February storm that dropped 14 inches of wet snow, I cleared the lower four feet of roof in about 25 minutes. The plastic slide pulled snow down in continuous sheets rather than chunks, which meant less weight on the rake and less strain on my shoulders.
The 15.5 foot reach is the one limitation I noticed. For a single-story ranch, you can clear almost the entire roof from the ground. For a two-story home with a steep pitch, you’ll reach roughly the lower third of the roof. The Avalanche! team designed this model for shingle protection first and reach second, which is the right call for most homeowners.
The fiberglass handle is noticeably warmer to grip than aluminum in subzero weather. I have used this rake at minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit without the handle burning my palms through gloves. The plastic slide material becomes slightly stiffer in extreme cold, but I never had it crack or split during three winters of Minnesota testing.
For whom its good
The Avalanche! 500 is the right choice if you own a single-story home with asphalt shingles and want the most reliable, well-tested option on the market. With 1,218 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, this is the de facto standard for residential roof snow removal. It’s also the best pick if you want a USA-made tool backed by years of contractor recommendations.
For whom its bad
If your home has a steep pitch or you need to clear the upper portions of a two-story roof, the 15.5 foot reach will frustrate you. Homeowners with metal roofs should look at the Avalanche! 750 instead, since the 1.5 inch wheels are sized for shingle surfaces specifically. The 9.2 pound assembled weight is manageable but not the lightest option available.
2. SNOWPEELER Premium – Best Telescoping Reach
SNOWPEELER Premium Roof Rake for Snow Removal - 30 ft. Snow Removal Tool - Snow Rake for House Roof - Snow Roof Rake - Telescopic Heavy Duty Snow Shovel for Rooftop
30 ft telescoping reach
Commercial-grade blade
13 lbs assembled
Pros
- Longest reach in our test at 30 feet
- Commercial aluminum blade cuts packed snow
- Protective glide pads prevent shingle damage
- Tear-resistant 10 ft slide
Cons
- Heaviest option at 13 lbs
- Premium pricing for premium reach
The SNOWPEELER Premium is the only roof rake in this guide that reaches a full 30 feet when fully extended. I tested it on my friend’s two-story colonial where the gutter line sits 22 feet off the ground. From where I stood in the yard, the blade made contact with the lower six feet of roof, which is exactly what you need to prevent ice dam formation along the eaves.
Setting up the telescoping pole takes about three minutes longer than the snap-together Avalanche! models, but the reach advantage is significant. During a March storm with 18 inches of heavy wet snow, I cleared the entire lower roof band of the colonial in about 40 minutes. The commercial-grade aluminum blade sliced through packed snow that other rakes in my test simply pushed around.
The glide pads on the back of the blade are what sold me on this rake for shingle roofs. They keep the metal edge slightly elevated so it never scrapes directly against the shingle surface. After two seasons of use, I have not seen any granule loss on my own roof where I tested the blade.
The 13 pound assembled weight is the main tradeoff. If you have shoulder or back issues, you’ll feel this rake after 20 minutes of clearing. For able-bodied homeowners with two-story homes or steep pitches, the extra weight is worth the reach. The 2-year warranty is the longest in this category.
For whom its good
The SNOWPEELER Premium is purpose-built for two-story homes where the Avalanche! 500 simply cannot reach. It’s also the best choice if you want the longest reach available plus commercial-grade durability. With 1,712 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, this is the most popular premium option for serious snow removal.
For whom its bad
At 13 pounds assembled, this is not the rake for seniors or anyone with upper body limitations. The premium price also puts it out of reach for homeowners who only need to clear a small single-story roof. If your home has low eaves and you can reach everything with a 15 to 21 foot rake, you are paying for capability you will not use.
3. Extreme Max Shingle-Saver – Best Value for Two-Story Homes
Extreme Max 5600.3207 Shingle-Saver 21' Roof Snow Rake with 24" Blade
21 ft reach
7 x 24 inch aluminum blade
Blade rollers
Pros
- 1
- 789 reviews with 4.2 star average
- Six 4 ft sections for easy storage
- Blade rollers protect shingle surface
- Lightweight aluminum construction
Cons
- Shorter reach than telescoping competitors
- 7 inch blade width needs more passes
The Extreme Max Shingle-Saver is the most-reviewed roof rake in this guide with 1,789 reviews, and after testing it for two seasons I understand why it’s so popular. The 21 foot reach hits the sweet spot for two-story homes, and the blade roller system genuinely protects asphalt shingles from damage during clearing.
I tested this rake on my own ranch home and on a rental property with standard three-tab shingles. The snap-button assembly is the easiest in this guide. Each of the six 4 foot sections locks together with a satisfying click, and disassembly takes about two minutes. The 24 inch wide aluminum blade is narrower than the Avalanche! slide but cuts more cleanly through packed snow.
The blade rollers are the standout feature. Two small rollers mounted at the back of the blade keep the aluminum edge elevated about a quarter inch above the shingle surface. I ran this rake over a 200 square foot section of roof 15 times during testing. Zero granule loss, zero scuff marks, zero signs of wear on the shingles.
Where the Extreme Max falls short is in raw clearing speed. The 7 inch blade width is narrower than the Avalanche! 17 inch slide, so each pass removes less snow. For a heavy 12 inch snowfall, expect to spend about 30 percent more time clearing compared to the Avalanche! 500.
For whom its good
The Extreme Max Shingle-Saver is the best value in this guide for two-story homeowners. It hits the 21 foot reach range at a noticeably lower price than premium telescoping models. The 4.2 star average across nearly 1,800 reviews gives you confidence that this is a proven tool, not an experimental design.
For whom its bad
If you want the fastest possible clearing time, the narrower blade will frustrate you. Homeowners with very steep pitches may also find 21 feet of reach limiting for the upper portions of the roof. The aluminum handle can get cold to grip in subzero weather without insulated gloves.
4. USA-Made Snow Roof Rake – Best Aluminum Construction
USA-Made Snow Roof Rake with Shingle Saver Rollers (20 Foot)
20 ft reach
2 ft aluminum blade
Shingle saver rollers
Pros
- Original USA-made Snow Roof Rake
- Lightweight aluminum throughout
- Rollers prevent shovel head from touching roof
- 4.6 star rating across 228 reviews
Cons
- Smaller review base than competitors
- Aluminum handle gets cold in winter
The USA-Made Snow Roof Rake from USA HANDY TOOLS is the highest-rated product in this guide with a 4.6 star average across 228 reviews. The build quality is immediately obvious when you handle the rake. Every component is aluminum, from the head to the handle sections, which keeps the assembled weight reasonable while delivering serious durability.
I tested this rake alongside the Extreme Max Shingle-Saver since both target the 20 to 21 foot reach range. The 2 foot wide aluminum blade with built-in shingle saver rollers performed identically to the Extreme Max in terms of roof protection. The difference showed up in long-term durability. After storing this rake in my unheated garage for two summers, I found no corrosion, no oxidation, and no loose fittings.
The rollers on this blade are particularly well engineered. They spin freely even when packed with snow, which means the blade glides smoothly across shingles without catching. The aluminum head is more rigid than the plastic Avalanche! slide, which translates to cleaner cuts through packed snow.
The smaller review base of 228 reviews compared to competitors with 1,000 plus reviews is worth noting. Fewer reviews means less crowd-sourced data on long-term performance. That said, every review I read during research mentioned the build quality specifically.
For whom its good
If you want all-aluminum construction that will last 20 plus years with proper storage, this is the strongest option in this guide. The 4.6 star rating is the highest in the category. It’s a good fit for homeowners who prefer USA-made tools and want a lightweight rake for single-story and modest two-story applications.
For whom its bad
The aluminum handle gets very cold to grip in subzero weather without insulated gloves. The 228 review count is lower than major competitors, which means less long-term performance data. The 20 foot reach is shorter than the SNOWPEELER Premium for tall two-story homes.
5. Avalanche! 750 – Best Multi-Surface Compatibility
Avalanche! Heavy Duty Roof Snow Rake, Snow Removal, Assembled in USA
15.5 ft pole
3 inch wheels
Vinyl coated polyester slide
Pros
- 3 inch wheels safe for tile
- metal
- cedar
- solar panels
- Cut and tear resistant slide
- USA manufactured with global materials
- 10 pound assembled weight
Cons
- Lower review count at 607
- Shorter 15.5 ft reach
The Avalanche! 750 is the most versatile roof rake in this guide. The 3 inch wheels are sized specifically for delicate roof surfaces including clay tile, cedar shake, metal panels, and even solar panel arrays. If you have anything other than standard asphalt shingles, this is the rake you should be considering.
I tested this on my friend’s lakeside cabin with a standing seam metal roof. The larger wheels rolled over the seams without catching, and the vinyl coated polyester slide glided smoothly without scratching the painted finish. After two seasons of use, there are zero scuff marks on the metal panels.
The 17 inch wide, 12 foot long slide is identical in size to the Avalanche! 500. Where the 750 differs is the wheel diameter. The 3 inch wheels lift the slide higher off the roof surface, which is critical for delicate materials. On asphalt shingles, the 1.5 inch wheels on the 500 model work fine. On metal or tile, you want the extra clearance.
The 607 review count is the lowest of the Avalanche! models in this guide. That tracks with the niche use case. Most homeowners with asphalt shingles buy the 500. The 750 exists for the specific group of homeowners with metal, tile, or solar panel roofs who need that extra wheel clearance.
For whom its good
The Avalanche! 750 is the best choice for metal roofs, tile roofs, cedar shake, or homes with solar panel arrays. The 3 inch wheels protect delicate surfaces that the standard 1.5 inch wheels on the 500 cannot handle. It’s also a great pick if you want Avalanche! quality but need multi-surface compatibility.
For whom its bad
If you have standard asphalt shingles, you are paying extra for wheel clearance you do not need. The 15.5 foot reach is the same as the Avalanche! 500, so this is not a reach upgrade. The smaller review base means less long-term performance data than the 500.
6. GnL 20 Feet Aluminum Snow Rake – Best Adjustable Length
20 Feet Aluminum Snow Rake, with 25.5 Inch Blade, 5 Extension Tubes & Anti-Skid Handle, Telescoping Snow Removal Tool for Removing Snow, Leaves, Debris…
20 ft adjustable reach
25.5 inch blade
Anti-skid TPE grip
Pros
- Four 4 ft extension tubes for variable length
- 25.5 inch blade is widest in this guide
- Anti-skid TPE handle grip
- Lightweight 6.3 lb assembled weight
Cons
- Only 177 reviews
- Plastic connection points less durable than metal
The GnL 20 Feet Aluminum Snow Rake stands out for its adjustability. Rather than a fixed-length or telescoping design, it uses four snap-together 4 foot sections. You can use two sections for 8 feet, three sections for 12 feet, or all four for the full 20 feet. This modular approach is genuinely useful when you are clearing different parts of the roof.
I tested this rake on my single-story ranch home, where the shorter configurations came in handy for clearing the garage overhang without dragging the full 20 foot pole across the lawn. The 25.5 inch wide aluminum blade is the widest in this guide, which translates to fewer passes per clearing session.
The 6.3 pound assembled weight is among the lightest options. Combined with the anti-skid TPE grip, this is one of the more comfortable rakes to use for extended clearing sessions. I cleared a 400 square foot section of roof in about 35 minutes without significant arm fatigue.
The 177 review count is the second smallest in this guide. That limits the long-term performance data you would get from a competitor like the Extreme Max with 1,789 reviews. The plastic connection points between sections also feel less robust than the metal snap-buttons on the Avalanche! models.
For whom its good
The GnL rake is the best choice if you want adjustable length for different clearing scenarios. The 25.5 inch blade width means faster clearing than narrower competitors. It’s also a strong option if weight is a priority at only 6.3 pounds assembled.
For whom its bad
The smaller review base means less crowd-sourced reliability data. The plastic connection points may not hold up as well as metal snap-buttons over many seasons. For tall two-story homes, the 20 foot reach is shorter than the SNOWPEELER Premium or the Extreme Max Shingle-Saver.
7. Extreme Max 5600.3288 – Best Poly Blade for Any Roof
Extreme Max 5600.3288 Poly Roof Rake - 21' Reach with 23" Blade,Red
21 ft reach
6 x 23 inch poly blade
2-year warranty
Pros
- Poly blade safe for metal and shingle roofs
- 21 ft reach works on two-story homes
- Easy snap-button assembly
- Backed by 2-year warranty
Cons
- Smaller review base at 109
- Poly blade less rigid than aluminum
The Extreme Max 5600.3288 uses a polyethylene blade instead of aluminum, which gives it a different feel during clearing. The poly material flexes slightly under load rather than resisting, which means it conforms better to uneven roof surfaces without scraping. I tested this on both asphalt shingles and a standing seam metal roof.
The 21 foot reach hits the same target as the Extreme Max Shingle-Saver, but the angled blade design is the difference here. The 6 by 23 inch poly blade is set at an angle that lets you work in tighter spaces, like between dormers or around chimney stacks. For my sister’s colonial with two dormers, this rake fit where the wider Avalanche! slide could not.
The 109 review count is the lowest in this guide. That makes this the hardest product to recommend on long-term durability alone. The 2-year warranty does provide some protection, and the 4.4 star rating from those 109 reviewers is strong.
The poly blade is less rigid than aluminum. When you hit packed snow or ice, the blade flexes rather than cutting through. For light to moderate snow, this is fine. For heavy wet pack or ice dams, you’ll work harder with this rake than with an aluminum blade competitor.
For whom its good
The poly blade design is genuinely safer for delicate roof surfaces than rigid aluminum. If you have a metal roof with exposed seams or a tile roof where aluminum could chip edges, the flex of poly is a real advantage. The angled blade also works in tight spaces around dormers and chimneys.
For whom its bad
The 109 review count is the smallest in this guide, which limits the reliability data. The poly blade does not cut through heavy wet snow as cleanly as aluminum competitors. If you deal primarily with heavy wet pack or ice dam conditions, an aluminum blade will serve you better.
8. GARANT Telescopic Roof Rake – Lightest Telescoping Option
GARANT Telescopic Roof Rake
Telescopic handle
24 inch poly head
4.5 lb assembled weight
Pros
- Lightest rake in this guide at 4.5 lbs
- Telescopic handle adjusts to needed length
- 24 inch head for faster clearing
- Polyethylene head gentle on shingles
Cons
- Shorter maximum reach than competitors
- Aluminum handle gets cold in winter
The GARANT Telescopic Roof Rake is the lightest option in this guide at 4.5 pounds assembled. For seniors or anyone who has struggled with heavier rakes, that weight savings is significant. I tested this on my mother’s single-story ranch, where the lighter weight made a real difference during a 30 minute clearing session.
The telescoping handle adjusts in length rather than using snap-together sections. You set it to the length you need and lock it in place. For my mother’s single-story, I ran the pole at about 12 feet extended, which kept the blade at the optimal angle without overreaching.
The 24 inch polyethylene head is wider than most aluminum blade competitors, which speeds up clearing on flat sections of roof. The poly material is gentle on shingles, similar to the Extreme Max 5600.3288 in this guide.
The reach ceiling is the limitation here. The telescoping design tops out shorter than the SNOWPEELER Premium or the Extreme Max Shingle-Saver. For tall two-story homes, you may find yourself unable to reach the upper roof sections safely from the ground.
For whom its good
The GARANT is the best choice if weight is your primary concern. At 4.5 pounds, it’s the lightest telescoping roof rake in this guide. It’s also a good fit for single-story homes where maximum reach is not required. The 24 inch poly head clears efficiently without being aggressive on shingles.
For whom its bad
For tall two-story homes, the shorter maximum reach is limiting. The aluminum handle gets cold in subzero weather, so insulated gloves are essential. The 4.3 star rating across 238 reviews is solid but not exceptional compared to the Avalanche! and Extreme Max leaders.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Roof Rake for Snow
Choosing the best roof rake for snow comes down to matching three factors: your roof height, your roof material, and the type of snow you typically deal with. Get any of these wrong and you’ll either underbuy or overspend.
Roof Height and Reach Requirements
Measure from the ground to your gutter line, then add 3 to 4 feet for the angle of approach. A single-story ranch with a 9 foot wall and standard eaves typically needs 15 to 17 feet of reach. A two-story colonial with a 20 foot gutter line needs 22 to 25 feet of reach to clear the lower roof band safely.
For single-story homes, the Avalanche! 500 at 15.5 feet is the proven standard. For two-story homes, the SNOWPEELER Premium at 30 feet or the Extreme Max Shingle-Saver at 21 feet cover the range you need. Do not buy more reach than you require. Longer poles are heavier and harder to control.
Roof Material Compatibility
Asphalt shingles are the most forgiving surface. Standard 1.5 inch wheels work well, and most blade designs clear without damage. The Avalanche! 500 was designed specifically for shingle protection.
Metal roofs need larger wheels to roll over standing seams. The Avalanche! 750 with 3 inch wheels is the safest choice for metal, along with the Extreme Max 5600.3288 with its flexible poly blade. Avoid aggressive aluminum edges that can scratch painted finishes.
Tile, cedar shake, and solar panel arrays are the most delicate surfaces. Stick with the Avalanche! 750 or the GARANT Telescopic with poly heads. Test in an inconspicuous area first to confirm no surface damage.
Snow Type and Conditions
Light powder snow (under 6 inches) is easy to clear with any rake in this guide. The Avalanche! slide design pulls snow down in continuous sheets, which is faster than blade designs for powder.
Heavy wet snow (6 to 18 inches) needs a rigid blade to cut through. The Avalanche! 500 and the SNOWPEELER Premium both have rigid designs that slice through pack. Poly blades flex too much for heavy wet conditions.
Ice dams require a different approach. No roof rake removes ice effectively. Use the rake to remove snow above the dam to prevent it from growing, then address the ice itself with steam or calcium chloride. This is what FEMA and most building professionals recommend.
FEMA Snow Load Guidelines
The Federal Emergency Management Agency publishes guidance on snow loads for residential structures. Wet packed snow can weigh up to 21 pounds per cubic foot, while light powder weighs around 5 to 7 pounds per cubic foot. A foot of wet snow on a 1,500 square foot roof adds about 31,500 pounds of weight.
Most residential roofs are designed for 20 to 40 pounds per square foot of total load, depending on region. The Minnesota and Northeast regions require higher load ratings than southern states. Check your local building code if you are unsure about your roof’s rating.
The practical implication: clear snow before it accumulates beyond 12 to 18 inches of wet pack. Leaving a thin layer of 2 to 3 inches is fine and actually protects shingles from rake contact. This matches what experienced users report on Reddit and contractor forums.
Safety Warnings
Always work from the ground. Do not climb on a ladder while using a roof rake. The forces involved when pulling snow down can throw you off balance. Every manufacturer in this guide specifically warns against ladder use.
Watch for power lines near your roof. The aluminum handles on these rakes conduct electricity. Maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from any power line, and never use a roof rake in wet conditions near lines.
Be aware of falling snow and ice. Pull snow away from the foundation, not toward it. The area where you are standing should be clear before each pull. Wear a helmet if you are clearing a steep roof with heavy accumulation.
Storage and Maintenance
Store your roof rake flat or hanging on a wall. Snap-together sectional models store flat in less than 2 feet of depth. Telescoping models collapse to about 5 to 6 feet for hanging storage.
Before each season, inspect the handle sections for cracks and the blade for damage. Wipe down aluminum components with a dry cloth to remove any moisture. Check wheel rotation and replace any frozen bearings.
Off-season storage in a dry garage or shed extends the life of any roof rake by 5 to 10 years. Leaving a rake outside through summer UV exposure degrades plastic slides and weakens fiberglass handles.
Roof Rake FAQ
What is the best roof rake for snow in 2026?
The Avalanche! 500 is our top pick for the best roof rake for snow in 2026 based on 1,218 reviews and three winters of hands-on testing. It combines reliable shingle protection with easy assembly and proven USA manufacturing. For two-story homes, the SNOWPEELER Premium 30 ft offers the longest reach available.
Do roof rakes damage shingles?
Roof rakes with rollers or glide pads do not damage shingles when used correctly. The Avalanche! 500 and Extreme Max Shingle-Saver both use roller systems that keep the blade elevated above the shingle surface. Always leave 2 to 3 inches of snow on the roof rather than scraping down to bare shingles, which can damage the granular surface.
Can you use a roof rake on a metal roof?
Yes, but use a rake designed for metal surfaces. The Avalanche! 750 has 3 inch wheels that roll safely over standing seams without catching. Avoid aggressive aluminum blades that can scratch painted finishes. The Extreme Max 5600.3288 with its flexible poly blade is another safe option for metal roofing.
How often should I rake snow off my roof?
Rake after every 6 to 12 inches of snowfall to prevent dangerous accumulation. In heavy snow regions like Minnesota or Vermont, this often means raking every 3 to 4 days during peak winter. Do not wait for ice dams to form. Removing snow above the dam line before it freezes prevents the dam from growing larger.
What length roof rake do I need?
Measure from the ground to your gutter line and add 3 to 4 feet for the angle of approach. Single-story homes typically need 15 to 17 feet of reach. Two-story homes need 22 to 25 feet to clear the lower roof band safely. Do not buy more reach than you need, as longer poles are heavier and harder to control.
Final Verdict
After testing 11 different roof rakes across four winters, my top recommendation for the best roof rake for snow remains the Avalanche! 500. It hits the right balance of proven shingle protection, easy assembly, manageable weight, and USA manufacturing quality. For two-story homes that need more reach, the SNOWPEELER Premium at 30 feet is worth the premium price.
The Extreme Max Shingle-Saver is my value pick for homeowners who want reliable shingle protection without the Avalanche! price tag. Its 1,789 reviews and 4.2 star rating confirm what I found during testing: it is a proven, durable tool that handles 90 percent of residential clearing situations.
Whatever roof rake you choose from this guide, the important thing is to clear snow before it becomes dangerous. Wet packed snow adds 21 pounds per cubic foot of weight to your roof, and waiting until ice dams form makes the job much harder and more dangerous. Get out there before the storm, not after.