8 ways to stay ahead of storm season

Posted On: July 9, 2021

Summertime is known as much for its storms as it is for its sunny weather. The moisture and rapidly rising warm temperatures of the season set the right scene for the perfect storm. And, depending on where you live, certain storms are more likely to occur in your neck of the woods than others. Regardless of storm type, being prepared and having a plan is key. Use our eight precautionary tips to take action now to minimize the impact of a storm later.

1. Take cover.
   The first thing you’ll need to know is where to go. For tornadoes, you’ll seek a basement, underground cellar or an inside room without windows. Take heed of all alerts, and if you’re asked to evacuate, do so in a timely manner.
2. Replenish your emergency kit.
   A well-stocked emergency kit is crucial in the event of a storm. Here are some common things prevalent in most: a first-aid kit, a flashlight, a power-weathered emergency radio, extra batteries for each electronic device and a power bank for your mobile phone. Also gather important documents like your I.D., birth certificate, legal documents, insurance policies and prescriptions.
3. Stock your pantry.
   Always keep lots of water, non-perishables, and dry foods on hand in case you can’t leave your home for a few days. You want to go for foods that require little or no cooking, water or refrigeration. A good rule of thumb is to have enough food and water to last for three days.
4. Pack a bag.
   Keeping a bag packed with extra clothes and shoes can provide protection should you have any storm damage occur inside of the home. Having blankets and extra pillows to cover up with can also protect you from flying debris.
5. Store extra water for hygiene.
   Oftentimes during storms, water loss isn’t too far behind power loss. Storing water in rain barrels or buckets can help to flush toilets during an outage. Another good option is filling a bathtub with water for personal hygiene and sanitation needs.
6. Stormproof the inside and outside of your home.
   Once notified that a storm is imminent, be sure to bring in grills and patio furniture to avoid the possible dangers of them being tossed around. Don’t forget to trim shrubs and cut down unwanted trees, which could also be hazardous if limbs are lost or if they fall during a windstorm. Be sure to keep cars safely parked in your garage to avoid weather-related damage. Having a professional examine your roof and foundation for any problems before storm season begins is always a good idea.
7. Power up with a generator.
   In the aftermath of a storm, owning a generator could make all the difference in getting back to normal quicker. Keep in mind that during power outages, everything stops, including medical devices, computers and mobile phone chargers. As a word of caution, never use a generator during a storm — only during the recovery phase.
8. Develop a storm safety plan.
   Create a storm safety plan that includes everything outlined in this blog and anything else you deem necessary. Remember storms can occur during times when family members are apart, so be sure to discuss the plan in detail so everyone knows what to do. Storms are unpredictable, but being prepared for weather-related emergencies with a plan can help you stay calm and feel more secure in the face of it all.