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7 Tips for Staying Safe During a Storm: Expert Recommendations and Precautions

September 23, 2024 6 min read

Facing a storm can be both a daunting and dangerous experience. It's critical to be prepared and informed to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Dark clouds loom overhead as lightning strikes in the distance. A tree bends under the force of strong winds, while rain pours down heavily. A house stands sturdy, with shutters closed and a flashlight glowing inside

Knowing the best practices for storm safety can make a significant difference. This article provides essential tips to help ensure you stay safe when severe weather strikes.

1) Stay Indoors

When a storm approaches, the safest place you can be is inside a sturdy building. Avoid going outside unless it's absolutely necessary.

Close all windows and doors to prevent strong winds from causing damage inside your home. This also helps to keep rainwater out.

Stay away from glass windows and doors. In extreme weather, there's a risk of glass shattering, which can cause injuries.

If you have shutters, secure them properly. For homes without shutters, use plywood to cover windows as a temporary measure.

Unplug any unnecessary electrical devices. Lightning strikes can cause power surges, leading to potential damage to electronics.

Make sure all family members are inside and not out in the elements. Assign a safe room if possible, preferably one without windows.

2) Secure Outdoor Objects

Before a storm hits, make sure to secure or store any outdoor objects. Heavy winds can turn items like patio furniture, grills, or garden tools into dangerous projectiles.

Move these objects indoors or into a garage if possible. For larger items that cannot be moved, use strong ropes or straps to anchor them securely.

Don't forget smaller objects like potted plants, toys, or trash bins. These can also become hazardous.

Double-check your efforts before the storm arrives. Ensuring everything is securely fastened can help protect both your property and your neighbors' property.

3) Keep Emergency Kit Ready

An emergency kit is essential during a storm. Always have it stocked and easily accessible.

Include basic items like water, non-perishable food, and a flashlight. Batteries, a first-aid kit, and necessary medications are vital too. You never know when you might need them.

Don't forget personal documents, extra cash, and a whistle to signal for help. A fully charged phone and a portable charger will keep you connected.

Make sure everyone in your household knows where the emergency kit is stored. Check your kit periodically to replace expired items. Preparedness can make a significant difference during a storm.

4) Charge Devices

Before a storm hits, make sure to charge all your essential devices. Your phone, tablet, and other communication tools should be at full battery. This ensures you stay connected and access important information.

Consider investing in portable power banks. These can provide extra charges when electricity is unavailable. Keep them fully charged and ready for use.

Don't forget about your laptop and any other devices you might need. Fully charge these too, in case you need them during an extended power outage.

If you have a car, charge your devices using the car charger. This is handy when the power at home is out but your vehicle's battery is still functional.

Ensure that all your charging cables and adapters are in good condition. Faulty cables can hinder your ability to charge devices effectively. Keep spares if possible.

5) Listen to Weather Reports

Stay updated by tuning into local weather stations. They provide real-time information about storm paths, intensity, and safety measures.

Use multiple sources such as radio, television, and reliable weather apps. This ensures you get accurate and timely updates.

Weather reports often include alerts and warnings. Heed them promptly to ensure your safety.

Keep a battery-operated radio handy. This can be crucial if the power goes out.

Set alerts on your phone for severe weather notifications. This helps you stay aware even if you're busy.

By paying attention to weather reports, you can make informed decisions quickly. This knowledge could potentially save lives.

Encourage family members to do the same. Shared awareness enhances group safety.

6) Avoid Windows

A dark stormy sky looms overhead, with lightning flashing and rain pouring down. A sturdy house stands in the background, surrounded by trees swaying in the strong wind

During a storm, windows can pose significant dangers.

Strong winds can shatter glass, sending shards flying into your living space. Stay away to minimize the risk of injury.

Heavy rain and hail can also break windows. Gather in an interior room or basement if possible.

Use shutters or plywood to reinforce windows before the storm. This added protection can make a significant difference.

Keep a safe distance from all windows, even if they are reinforced. It's better to be cautious.

7) Stay Away from Floodwaters

Dark storm clouds loom over a flooded street. Debris and trash float in the water. A warning sign is half-submerged

Floodwaters can be deceptively dangerous. Even shallow water can pose a significant risk if it’s moving swiftly. You could lose your balance and get swept away.

Floodwaters often contain hidden hazards. They may hide debris like sharp objects, tree branches, and other dangerous obstacles.

Water may also be contaminated with sewage, chemicals, or other pollutants. Contact with it can lead to serious health issues.

It's crucial to avoid walking or driving through floodwaters. Vehicles can be easily swept away, even if the water appears shallow.

If you come across floodwaters during a storm, turn around and seek an alternate route. Prioritize your safety over reaching your destination.

Remember to keep children and pets away from flooded areas. They are especially vulnerable and may not recognize the dangers.

Your safety is paramount during a storm. Respect warnings and avoid flooded regions until it is safe to return.

Understanding Storm Warnings

Storm warnings help keep you informed about severe weather conditions. Recognizing different alerts and knowing how to read weather maps enables you to take prompt action.

Types of Storm Alerts

Weather agencies issue various alerts to indicate the severity and immediacy of a storm. Watches signal that conditions are favorable for a storm and you should be prepared. Warnings mean a storm is imminent or occurring and requires immediate action. Advisories indicate less severe weather conditions that could cause inconvenience but not necessarily danger.

Each type of alert is crucial for preparedness and safety. Alerts may include tornado warnings, thunderstorm warnings, flood watches or warnings, and more. Knowing these can help you stay alert and informed about potential weather threats.

Interpreting Weather Maps

Weather maps use symbols and colors to convey information about incoming storms. Cold fronts are marked with blue lines and triangles; warm fronts with red lines and half-circles. Isobars, depicted as lines connecting points of equal atmospheric pressure, show wind patterns and storm intensity.

Colors indicate precipitation levels. For instance, dark blue often denotes heavy rain, while red can indicate severe weather like thunderstorms or tornadoes. Radar images can show real-time precipitation, helping you understand storm movement. By familiarizing yourself with these visual cues, you can better anticipate and respond to storm developments.

Preparation Before the Storm

Preparing adequately before a storm can make a critical difference in your safety and comfort. Two essential steps include building a comprehensive emergency kit and creating a family emergency plan.

Building an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit should contain basic supplies to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours. Essentials include:

  • Water: 1 gallon per person per day.
  • Non-perishable food: Canned goods, energy bars, etc.
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Medications: At least a 7-day supply.
  • Multi-tool: Useful for various tasks.
  • Sanitation items: Hand sanitizer, garbage bags, moist towelettes.
  • Important documents: IDs, insurance policies, and bank records in a waterproof container.
  • Cash: ATMs may not work during power outages.
  • Local maps: In case GPS isn’t available.

Check your kit regularly and replace expired items.

Creating a Family Emergency Plan

A family emergency plan ensures that everyone knows what to do and where to go during a storm. Key points to cover include:

  • Contact Information: List phone numbers of family, friends, and local authorities.
  • Meeting Places: Designate safe spots both within your neighborhood and outside of it.
  • Emergency Contacts: Choose an out-of-town contact everyone can reach.
  • Evacuation Routes: Plan multiple routes in case roads are blocked.
  • Pet Care: Include plans for pets as many shelters don’t accept animals.
  • Communication Plan: Establish how to get in touch if separated.

Conduct drills to ensure everyone is familiar with the plan and adjust it as necessary.

Safety During the Storm

During a storm, it’s crucial to find safe shelter and know how to handle power outages to ensure your safety and minimize potential hazards.

Finding Safe Shelter

Seek refuge in a sturdy building. Stay away from windows and doors to avoid injury from broken glass.

Find an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a basement or a small windowless room, to stay safe from flying debris. Avoid sheltering in mobile homes, as they may not withstand strong winds.

If you’re outside and cannot reach shelter, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area, covering your head with your arms to protect yourself from debris.

Handling Power Outages

Unplug electrical devices to prevent damage from power surges. Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risks.

Stock up on battery-operated essentials, such as radios and fans, to stay informed and comfortable. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food for as long as possible.

Only use generators outside, far from windows, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.