Know Where to Go and What to Bring: Preparing for the Storm | SERVPRO® of ROME
4/28/2023 (Permalink)
While there are certainly times of the year where the weather tends to be more volatile, it seems that the idea of a “storm season” isn’t really the case anymore.
The threat of severe weather in our corner of Alabama can be year-round, when even a cold winter day can be punctuated with claps of thunder and flashes of lightning.
Floods, thunderstorms, tornadoes and even ice and snow are not unusual throughout the year, so the more we understand what to stock up on and how to stay safe, the easier we can ride out any storm.
Do you have an emergency kit, or know what an emergency kit is? An emergency kit is a stock of basic supplies that can help you ride out a storm safely and get you through a few days of sheltering in place if necessary.
Your kit should contain basic emergency supplies like batteries, flashlights and a weather radio. You will also want to keep a first-aid kit handy, as well as plenty of water. These basic supplies can live in your emergency kit year-round, but when you know a round of severe weather is approaching, add a three-day supply of food, extra water and any prescription medications you or a family member may need.
Consider including some comfort items in your kit as well. For small children, stuffed animals or a fuzzy blanket can ease the anxiety of an approaching storm.
A deck of cards or other games can also take everyone’s mind off of disaster and aid in keeping everyone still and together. Store your emergency supplies somewhere near your safe space in your home so it is quickly accessible when a warning is issued.
One of the key pieces of creating an emergency plan should be finding a safe space in your home. Ideally this would be in a basement and away from windows, but there are plenty of other options to consider as well.
Interior closets or bathrooms are generally considered safe spaces during severe weather, as is the space underneath a stairwell. You can also shelter in an interior hallway if your home doesn’t have other suitable options. Close as many doors as you can no matter where you are sheltering in order to have as many barriers between yourself and openings to the outside.
Take steps before a storm moves in to protect your home. Weather alerts are often issued several hours ahead of a threat, allowing you time to beef up your emergency supplies, gather important contact information and bring in any loose objects that could become airborne during the storm.
If you have storm shutters, closing them at the earliest alert can prevent damages from wind, tornadoes and heavy rains.
The more you understand how to respond when severe weather rolls in, the safer you can keep yourself and your home safe. And if your home is damaged in a storm, call us. We are available 24⁄7 to start your restoration faster and get you back home. Contact us to start recovery fast.