September is National Preparedness Month. Organizations across the country are working to inform people how to be ready in the event of emergencies. This includes natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes. Late summer is often an active season for storms across much of the country and everyone can benefit from some storm preparedness tips.
Storms can be both a blessing and a demonstration of nature’s unbridled fury. They bring vital rain, but they can also wreak havoc. When a severe storm hits, it can take out the power, destroy infrastructure and even damage your property. However, the biggest threat of such a powerful storm is the safety of you and your family. In order to ensure your health and security, it’s important to be ready when a storm hits.
Have a plan
Make sure your family knows what to do in case of emergency. This includes knowing when to go into “emergency mode”, knowing how to contact each other, safe places to go in case you’re out of the house or separated and safest places to be in the house (stairway, bathroom, basement or shelter).
Store water
In the event of an impending storm, having adequate water is essential, especially if you rely on an electric pump for yours. Gather several containers, sanitize them, fill them with water and store them in a cool, clean place. These can be either standard milk jugs or special containers designed for water storage. In this situation, anything goes. You can also fill your bathtub full of water for other purposes, such as washing hands or flushing the toilet.
Get ice
If you have foods that need to stay cold, you can keep them in a cooler with a block of ice. For the best results, keep the cooler away from heat or direct sunlight. This is also a must if you rely on medications that have to be refrigerated, such as insulin.
Unplug delicate electronics
Many electronic devices, such as computers, microwaves, stereos and televisions, are very susceptible to the effects of a power surge. This can occur when the power comes back on suddenly and may destroy your items in the process. Do be sure to charge your mobile phones and replace the batteries in your flashlights in advance of the storm, however.
Keep a kit handy
If you live in an area ravaged by frequent storms, you should have a survival kit handy at all times. In fact, it’s often recommended to keep one in your home as well as in your car. Here are some items each kit should include:
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Food rations
- A tarp
- Rope
- Flares and a flare gun
- Basic first-aid supplies
- A survival blanket
- A poncho
- Water or a method of water sanitation
Stock up
Another important consideration is being stocked up on essential supplies. It’s always good to keep extras of certain items around. Easily prepared food, batteries, blankets, matches, lighters and candles are a few examples. With these around, you’ll be ready for anything.
Weather radio
Having a battery-operated weather radio around during a storm can be immensely helpful. With these, you can get up-to-date information about the storm’s status, area damage, cleanup progress, service restoration efforts and other news.
Violent storms can cause serious damage, but you don’t have to be a victim. By making sure you’re prepared today, you can make things safer, easier and more comfortable when a storm does occur.
Post Author: andyc.
