Why You Should Have An Emergency Weather Plan | SERVPRO® of Jonesboro
5/10/2022 (Permalink)
Severe weather can be scary, especially when you are not prepared. Thunderstorms can include intense rainfall, hail, lightning, and strong wind gusts that can leave behind a wake of destruction.
Every year, the United States sees close to 100,000 thunderstorms across the nation, making this frequent weather event something we should all pay close attention to.
None of us in Jonesboro will soon forget the destructive tornadoes we have had over the years, particularly the one in 2020 that ripped apart many of our neighborhoods. Already in 2022, we have had severe thunderstorms with rotation in our area, as well as hail, flooding, and lightning.
These severe events are a blunt reminder that we should always be prepared. An emergency plan that includes strong communication strategies, emergency kits, and preparation for after the storm can be lifesaving during an extreme event.
When the weather gets rough, having ways to communicate with your household and receive outside communication is key to keeping everyone safe. First and foremost you need to understand the difference between a watch and a warning so that you know when to move to safety.
It is always wise to keep multiply ways to receive emergency alerts from weather officials. Most agencies recommend at least two sources, which can include a cell phone and an NOAA weather radio.
You should also create a communication plan for your entire family so that you all stay in sync with each other throughout the storm. Locate a spot in your home to be your safe space, typically a bathroom or basement, and ensure that even the youngest in your house knows how to get there.
Make sure that you have a strategy for communicating with anyone who may not be at home during the disaster. The main goal is to account for everyone’s safety as quickly as possible.
In your designated safe space, you should keep an emergency kit with supplies for each member of your household. Water and non-perishable food items that can sustain you for up to 72 hours in the event you need to shelter in place, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid supplies should all be included in this kit.
You may also want to include comfort items such as blankets and games to keep your loved ones calm and comfortable.
You need to know how to respond in the aftermath of a storm so that you can quickly take any necessary steps to begin securing your home. At the first safe opportunity, you should assess your property for any damage.
You will want to thoroughly note the condition of your roof, windows, and doors to ensure their seals are intact and no moisture is entering your home.
If your home is damaged, make us your first call. Our trained professionals are available day or night to provide a quick response and start the restoration process as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Jonesboro is locally owned, and as your neighbors, we want to offer you peace of mind in the midst of tragedy and get you back to your home faster.
Once the storm has moved on and cleanup has been completed, gather your family to discuss your emergency plan. Take an audit of each piece and how it worked. Did all of your communication strategies help? Did you have enough in your emergency kit? Make adjustments so that every family member feels safe and comfortable the next time severe storms affect our area.
If you discover storm damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO to handle the restoration. We’re here 24⁄7 to spring into action—get in touch with us today.