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Storms can be unpredictable and dangerous, potentially causing significant harm to both people and property. Knowing how to stay safe during these events is crucial for minimizing risks.
These tips will equip you with practical steps to protect yourself and your loved ones during severe weather. Being prepared and aware can make all the difference when a storm hits.
Before a storm hits, charge all your electronic devices. This includes your phone, laptop, and tablets. These items can be crucial for communication and accessing emergency updates.
If possible, also charge portable power banks. These can provide extra battery life if the power goes out. Make sure all power banks are fully charged in advance.
Don't forget to charge other essential devices. This can include medical devices like hearing aids or mobility equipment. Ensuring these are charged can be vital for your safety.
Check if you have any battery-operated items. Flashlights and radios should have fresh batteries. Replace any old batteries to ensure they work when you need them.
Keep your devices plugged in until the storm arrives. Once the storm starts, unplug them to protect against power surges. Having everything at full charge can make a big difference.
During a storm, unsecured outdoor furniture can turn into dangerous projectiles. Ensure that all items such as chairs, tables, and umbrellas are either brought indoors or securely fastened.
Use heavy-duty straps or bungee cords to secure larger pieces to stationary objects. If possible, store smaller items in a garage or shed.
Check all fastenings to ensure they are tight and will hold under high winds. Pool and patio covers should also be firmly in place to prevent them from being pulled up.
Look for items you might overlook, like garden tools, decor, or toys. These should be stored inside or tied down to prevent them from becoming hazards.
Taking these steps can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your property and keep everyone safer during a storm.
Windows can shatter easily during a storm due to high winds or flying debris.
Position yourself and family members in an interior room, away from the possibility of broken glass.
Covering windows with curtains or blinds can add an extra layer of protection but staying away remains crucial for safety.
If possible, secure windows with storm shutters before the storm hits.
In the absence of shutters, use plywood to cover windows and prevent damage.
Avoid leaning against windows or doors, as the pressure from strong winds can cause them to fail.
Keep emergency supplies such as water, food, and flashlights in your safe interior space.
Staying away from windows reduces the risk of injury from glass shards during a storm.
Regularly check weather updates to know the storm's progress and when it's safe to move around.
Ensure you have an emergency kit prepared at all times. This kit should be stored in an easily accessible location, and everyone in your household should know where it is.
Include basic supplies like non-perishable food, water, and first-aid materials. Aim for at least a three-day supply for each person in your household.
Add essential medications, personal hygiene items, and important documents. Don’t forget a flashlight, extra batteries, and a battery-powered radio to stay informed.
A multi-tool, whistle, and local maps can also be very useful. Customize the kit to meet the specific needs of your family, including pets.
Regularly check and update your emergency kit to ensure all items are up-to-date and in working order. Make sure your kit is ready well before any storm hits.
One of the essential preparations for a storm is ensuring you have an adequate supply of non-perishable food.
These items do not require refrigeration and have a long shelf life, making them ideal for emergency situations.
Canned goods are some of the best options. Consider stocking up on a variety of canned vegetables, fruits, beans, and meats.
Dried foods, such as pasta, rice, lentils, and beans, are also excellent choices.
Don't forget about healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. These can provide needed energy and nutrition.
It's also wise to have a supply of items like peanut butter, granola bars, and boxed cereals.
Ensure you have enough food to last at least a week for each member of your household.
Having a manual can opener on hand is crucial for accessing your canned goods.
Also, check expiration dates periodically to ensure your supplies remain fresh.
By preparing in advance with a variety of non-perishable foods, you can help ensure your family stays nourished during the storm.
Store your important documents in a waterproof and fireproof container. This protects items like passports, birth certificates, and insurance policies from flooding and fire damage.
Keep digital copies of essential documents. Use cloud storage or an external hard drive, ensuring you can access them if your physical copies are lost.
Organize your documents in one location for quick access. This makes it easier to grab your container and go in an emergency evacuation.
Wearing sturdy shoes during a storm is crucial. Storm conditions can create hazards like broken glass, sharp debris, and slippery surfaces. Proper footwear provides protection against such dangers and keeps your feet safe.
Choose shoes that cover your entire foot. This helps prevent injuries from debris or falling objects. Opt for shoes with non-slip soles to reduce the risk of slipping.
Avoid wearing sandals or lightweight shoes during a storm. They don't offer the same level of protection and can easily get damaged. Sturdy shoes with a good grip will help you maneuver through wet and uneven surfaces more effectively.
Ensure your shoes are waterproof or water-resistant. Wet feet can lead to discomfort or health issues, so keeping them dry is essential. Waterproof shoes make moving around in storm conditions more manageable.
Even indoors, maintain strong footwear. Structural damages can create hazardous conditions inside a building as well. Sturdy shoes provide safety whether you are outside or indoors during a storm.
Knowing how to read storm warnings and interpret meteorological data can be lifesaving during severe weather. This section will provide essential details about the types of storm alerts and how to make sense of weather data.
Storm warnings are categorized into several types to keep you informed about the nature and severity of incoming weather. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues different alerts, including Watches, Warnings, and Advisories.
Watch: Conditions are favorable for severe storms. Stay informed and prepare for possible evacuations.
Warning: Severe weather is occurring or imminent. Take immediate action to protect life and property.
Advisory: Weather conditions are less severe but may cause inconvenience or hazards.
It's crucial to understand these alerts to respond appropriately.
Meteorological data helps you understand the potential impact of a storm. Key elements include radar images, satellite imagery, and forecast models.
Radar Images: Show precipitation intensity and movement. Look for areas of heavy rainfall or hail.
Satellite Imagery: Provides a broader view of storm systems. Watch for cloud patterns indicating storm development.
Forecast Models: Predict storm paths and development. Check for updates as models are refined with new data.
Learning to read and interpret this data will give you a better idea of what to expect and help you stay safe.
Taking steps to prepare your home is essential in minimizing damage and ensuring safety during a storm. Focus on securing windows and doors, and ensuring you have essential emergency supplies.
Windows and doors are vulnerable entry points during storms, especially with high winds and flying debris. Begin by checking for any cracks or weaknesses. Replace broken glass and repair damaged frames.
Install storm shutters or cover windows with plywood. Make sure plywood fit securely with screws that penetrate deep into the wall framing. If shutters are not an option, use impact-resistant glass or a shatter-resistant film for added protection.
Doors should be secure and equipped with at least three hinges and a deadbolt lock. Inspect doorframes for any damage and reinforce them if needed. If possible, install storm doors to provide extra defense against extreme weather conditions.
Maintaining a well-stocked emergency kit is vital. Store enough non-perishable food and water to last each person in your household at least three days. Include items like canned goods, energy bars, and bottled water.
Prepare a first aid kit containing bandages, antiseptics, medications, and other essential medical supplies. Also, keep a flashlight, batteries, and portable chargers for electronic devices.
Ensure you have extra blankets, clothing, and personal hygiene products in your kit. It's also important to have copies of important documents, such as identification and insurance papers, in a waterproof container.
Staying in touch with family members and determining a safe place to meet can be crucial during a storm. Proper planning and clear communication methods can save lives.
Compile a comprehensive contact list of all family members, close friends, and emergency services. Ensure each entry includes names, phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses.
Keep a hard copy of this list accessible in your home, car, and emergency kits. Share this list with all family members.
Consider including work numbers and school contacts for children. Utilize group messaging apps for rapid communication. These apps can send a message to all contacts simultaneously.
Update this list regularly to ensure the information remains current. Confirm that everyone knows how to access and use it in an emergency.
Select an easily accessible meeting point known to all family members. Choose a primary location near your home but safe from common hazards like flooding or falling debris.
Identify an alternative meeting point in case the primary one becomes inaccessible. This should be further away, perhaps in a neighboring town or a public place like a community center.
Ensure each family member knows how to reach these points by various routes. Practice these routes periodically.
Discuss with everyone in the household the importance of going to these designated spots if separated during a storm. Reiterate the importance of waiting there until all are accounted for.
