What To Do When a Weather Emergency Strikes

Whether you live in the middle of Tornado Alley, along the coastline or anywhere else across the nation, weather disasters can occur with little to no notice. While you may have some time to prepare for impending ice storms and hurricanes, severe thunderstorms and tornados often happen quickly, giving you a precious few minutes to shield yourself from harm's way. Knowing what to do ahead of time and preparing your family for potential weather emergencies will help you stay safe when disaster strikes.

Stay Weather Aware

While some people are often unaware of impending severe weather, it's essential to remain vigilant to keep you and your family safe. Make sure to check your local forecast regularly to see if you are at risk of experiencing severe storms. If you live in an area prone to storms, you should be familiar with the times during the year when your chances of inclement weather increase. Another good idea is to download a weather app that provides timely notifications in case of tornados, ice storms or other situations.

You can also stay informed by listening to your local news stations. Their meteorologists can inform you of current conditions and forecast predictions to help you prepare. Finally, consider purchasing a NOAA weather radio. These radios can provide you with continuously updated weather conditions, warnings, and other alerts to help keep you safe during severe weather. In addition, they come with a battery backup option, which is beneficial if the power goes out.

Prepare for Potential Evacuations

While you should stay indoors during severe weather events like lightning storms and tornados, there are other times when you may be advised to evacuate, such as in the case of hurricanes. If your local authorities announce mandatory evacuations, heed their warnings and prepare to leave immediately.

Take stock of what is in your house before you go, and take pictures and videos of everything you own. Be thorough with your recordings, and don't just focus on the big-ticket items like appliances, furniture and electronics. Take pictures of your clothing, cookware and everything else in each room. If a disaster hits your home, there is a good chance that these items will no longer be where you left them when you come back home, and inventorying everything you own after the fact will become practically impossible.

Make an Emergency Go-Bag

As you prepare your home to evacuate, creating a bag of essential items to take with you is also crucial. A go-bag is also good to have in case a tornado strikes. Some things to include in your go-bag include essential medications, nonperishable food items, water, batteries, a first aid kit and flashlights.

In addition, you should also have a pair of durable shoes in case you have to walk through broken glass and other rubble, as well as a whistle or loud noise maker to alert rescuers of your whereabouts. Make sure you choose a durable yet lightweight bag with sturdy straps so you can grab it in a hurry.

Create and Practice Putting Your Family Plan Into Action

While you may feel prepared for when disaster strikes, it's vital that you and your family know what to do in the event of a real weather emergency. After you and your family have decided what to do and where to go during severe weather, put your plan into action. Hold regular drills and go through each step so you can review and modify it if necessary. These drills may seem unnecessary and even silly as you go through the motions.

However, in the event of an actual emergency, panic and adrenaline may set in and make it more challenging to remember each step.

Prepare Your Home To Reduce Potential Damage

When severe weather or a hurricane approaches, you should prepare your home ahead of time to mitigate potential damage. Clear large branches away from your roof and windows so they don't damage your home if they fall. Secure any loose objects outside your home so they don't blow or float away. Move your most valuable items away from the windows and unplug your appliances in case of a power surge.

If you are preparing for a potential tornado emergency, locate the innermost room of your home for shelter. This room is often a closet or a bathroom. Put on a helmet to protect your head and lie underneath a mattress, blankets and pillows to shield your body from flying debris. Make sure to take your go-bag with you, as well as your pets.

Help Your Neighbors Once Storm Passes

While going out during a storm is never advisable, check on your neighbors once it passes through. Be sure to check on your older neighbors, especially. Consider taking CPR classes at your local community center to assist others if they are hurt during severe weather. In case of a hurricane evacuation, ask others if they need any assistance with their preparations or help while storm-proofing their home. Many people rely on their neighbors before and during a weather emergency, so try your best to help when possible.

Plan for the Future and Update Your Homeowner's Insurance

While weather emergencies can and do frequently occur with little notice, it's essential to prepare for these types of disasters ahead of time. Be sure to update your homeowner's insurance before disaster strikes. You can avoid a lot of future stress and hassle by having a good insurance policy that provides enough coverage. If you're unsure whether your coverage is adequate, do your research and shop around for the right policy for your situation.

Have an Emergency Fund

Most Americans do not have enough money in their savings accounts to cover emergency expenses. Therefore, it is crucial to start saving now before you urgently need the money. Create a savings goal to cover at least six months worth of expenses and set a timetable to meet that goal sooner rather than later.

A good idea is to automate your savings so that a specified portion of the funds in your checking account automatically transfers to your savings account every week or month. This way, you'll be able to breathe easier if you ever need to tap into those emergency funds due to bad weather.

Remember, when forecasters predict a severe weather event, it's important to get ready before the storm hits. By assessing your emergency plans and preparing beforehand, you'll be better able to keep your loved ones safe while minimizing the impact on your finances after the storm passes.

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