Severe weather can occur without much warning, leaving devastation in its wake. But being prepared can save you a lot of worry, damage, and money. Severe weather varies across the country, but it usually refers to blizzards, heat waves, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.
You should know what types of weather events are most likely in your area and plan for that type. For instance, in Florida, you may expect heat waves, hurricanes, and floods. In South Dakota, you might need to prepare for blizzards and tornadoes. Regardless of the kind of severe weather you could expect, being prepared is essential to you and your family’s well-being.
Have a Plan
Just as you should have a plan in place for a house fire, you should also have severe weather plans. You may need to evacuate your house or your city. Or you may be safest at home, but be at a restaurant, work, or on the road when extreme storms strike. So, make contingencies for every possible scenario.
Once you have a plan in place, go over it with the entire family. You may even want to write it down so no one forgets. Include a meeting place to gather after the storms, which is helpful if you become separated from family members.
You can prepare your home in advance by trimming damaged or dead branches or ones that hang near structures. Strong winds can knock them into your house, causing damage. For a hurricane, you can board up your windows and secure your doors, including garage doors. You should also make sure that your insurance is up-to-date and covers everything you may need. Most insurance plans don’t cover flood damage, so get flood insurance if you live in an area that experiences rising waters.
See also: Common Commercial Rooftop Problems in Massachusetts: Causes and Prevention Tips
Know Where to Go
In some situations, like when a major hurricane is approaching, you may be asked to evacuate the area. Know where you’re going in advance. Preferably stay with a relative that lives inland. Discuss that possibility and get permission before any bad weather strikes. Hotels will likely be overbooked during an evacuation.
In most other cases, it’s best to stay at home during bad weather. You should plan to bunker down in the basement, if you have one, particularly if a tornado could occur. If you don’t have a basement, go to the lowest level, in a windowless room, in the center of the house. Staying under a stairwell offers protection against heavy furniture dropping down from the rooms above. It also provides extra structural support should a tornado strike. Cover your head with a blanket, coat, or helmet to protect against flying glass.
If you are in a car, pull over, put your hazards on, and wait out the storm. Keep your seatbelt on and duck your head and cover it to protect from shattering glass if a tornado is near. Don’t try to drive on flooded roads. Around 75 people a year die from driving through flash floods. Just one foot of water is enough to sweep away your vehicle. In fact, just six inches of flood water can make you lose control or cause your car to stall. Don’t try to get out and walk either, as rushing water can knock you off your feet and carry you away.
Store Supplies
Preparing for storms includes having the supplies you need during an emergency. Clean water is necessary, because humans can last only approximately three days without water. Storm damage can contaminate drinking water. You may have a well, but your electric pump won’t work if there’s a power outage. To be properly prepared, plan on having at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. So, a family of five should have 15 gallons of water available. This could be purchased pre-packaged, or you could refill old bottles.
Just as you need three days of water, you should store up at least three days worth of food for every family member. Remember you may not have electricity or gas, so don’t store refrigerated or raw foods. Instead, opt for canned goods, which have a long shelf life. Be sure to remember to have a manual can opener, because your handy electric one might not work. The USDA offers information on how long different foods last, including canned goods.
Since the power will probably go out during severe weather, you should have flashlights and batteries on hand. Some people opt for candles during a blackout, but they are a fire hazard and are not recommended. You can instead get battery-powered lanterns to place in the center of your safe room to provide a constant light source.
Preparing for Severe Weather
It’s not the time to make a weather plan when the tornado sirens go off. You should already have plans in place for various situations that may occur. When severe weather is on the horizon, it’s time to take action. Pull off the road if you’re driving. Get to the lowest level of your house or apartment building. Follow the emergency plan of the hotel or restaurant you’re in.
Preparing for severe weather involves staying updated on the current weather conditions. Use a battery-operated radio, a cell phone app, or if the electricity is still on, the local news. You may also want to let loved ones know that you’re safe. Text them directly, update your social media status, or give them a call.
Severe weather is dangerous and scary. But having a plan of action helps you feel in control of the situation. Keep your family safe by preparing in advance.
