Severe Storm Preparedness

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

• A severe storm is a common occurrence, but should always be revered as a possible threat. Any storm has the potential to cause significant damage or pose a threat to unprotected people. Make sure you are doing everything you can to keep your household safe. 
• Knowing the difference between a watch and warning, rather it be a tornado or severe thunderstorm. Be sure to have emergency supplies stored near by and having a way to tune into emergency broadcasts to be as prepared as possible.

Be Aware of What Watches and Warnings Mean

When severe weather is on the way, local officials will generally issue watches and warnings to keep the public informed about the current conditions, so it is important to know what they mean. A storm watch is issued if conditions are particularly favorable for a storm to develop, but one has yet to occur in the area.

A storm warning is more serious, as it means storms have been spotted on the ground and are a threat to the area. During a storm watch, you can simply stay alert, but during a storm warning, you should take cover immediately

Have Ample Emergency Supplies Stored

If a storm is nearby, it is important to seek shelter and stay put until the threat passes—which is why having everything you need at home is so highly recommended. Be sure you have enough food and water packed for everyone in your family in case utilities go out, as well as flashlights and extra batteries so you have a light source. You should also have a “safe zone” in the home—somewhere you can go that is sheltered from external walls as much as possible where you can wait out the worst of the storm.

Have Multiple Ways to Tune Into Emergency Broadcasts

While most of us rely on our smartphones to get information about the weather, this method can have some drawbacks and is not reliable during severe weather. Because cell reception can be spotty during severe storms and electricity is often unreliable, make sure you have multiple ways to get alerts that do not depend on the traditional power grid. A non-electric weather radio powered by batteries or manually is often a good solution for this.