Storms are brewing across the vast majority of the country this summer. From monsoons, tornadoes, to tropical storms, mother nature has been busy this summer. This involves a lot of preparation with protecting your home from storms. Below is a summer storm checklist that will help you prepare, stay safe, and evaluate your home throughout every stage of the storm.
Preparing your home before the storm
Buy Supplies
Purchase the supplies you will need most during the storm. This includes bottled water, flashlights, a generator, and plenty of food that require little to no cooking. Additionally, buy supplies for a first aid kit and have roadside essentials for your car should you need to evacuate.
Trim Trees
Before the storm full hits, it is advised to trim any and all trees that are on your property. This limits the amount of force heavy winds can put on your tree, possibly helping the tree stay rooted in the ground.
Check Your Insurance Policy
Review your home owners or renters insurance to see what you are covered for and what you may need to add to your policy. This protects you and your belongings from damages caused by the storm.
Fortify Outdoor Furniture
Weigh down outdoor furniture with sandbags and other heavy items to prevent them from blowing away. This saves you future expenses on potential damages caused by your property and stops replacements for destroyed patio furniture.
Cover Your Windows
Cover the inside of your windows with tarp or a curtain to prevent broken glass from moving into the room. Avoid potential injuries in the instance that something hits your window causing it to shatter. If you can, board up windows with objects like sheet metal and plywood for extra protection against flying debris.
How to stay safe during the storm
Stay Inside
Stay inside while the storm is going on to avoid outside dangers. Sporadic winds, heavy rains, lightning, and moving objects can be dangerous and unavoidable. If you have a sturdy shelter that can withstand the storm, stay there until it passes.
Ration Your Food
No matter how much food you are able to buy beforehand, ration it in and portion out servings. With storms coming and going, you never know just how long you need to stay inside for. So, it’s a safe practice to hold onto as much as you can until you know it’s clear to do so.
Stay Away From Windows
Avoid windows if you can. In the case of anything breaking the glass you absolutely do not want to be where the glass lands. Avoid a medical emergency that could require stitches or a trip to the hospital!
Follow Weather Reports
Keep track of updated weather reports on the radio and internet so you can gauge how the storm is moving. Doing this will alert you about where you should be and when. If the storm passes, you might be able to leave and avoid additional stress, or, you may have to evacuate if it’s getting worse.
Remain Calm
Most importantly, stay calm. Summer storms can be a stressful, anxious time since you can not know what may happen. Try to remain as calm as possible, keep your composure, and stay positive as best as you can!
Evaluating your home after the storm
Inspect Your Home
Once you’re clear to go outside, thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of your home. Look for damages the storm causes and report it to your insurance company as soon as possible! This can help you save a lot of money long term!
Avoid Downed Power Lines
If you do decide to step outside, avoid downed power lines and keep a minimum distance of 30 yards away from them. Report downed power lines to the proper authorities and avoid unnecessary injuries!
Contact Loved Ones
Help limit the stress on your loved ones by reaching out and letting them know you made it through the storm safe and sound. They may be able to have supplies delivered or ordered on your behalf, or, a great time to take a break and go visit them!
Avoid Using Tap Water
Water-born illnesses can be a serious threat when a large storm occurs. As a cautionary measure, avoid using tap water for cooking, cleaning, and bathing until it is professionally inspected.
Stay Somewhere Safe
The majority of injuries and fatalities occur after the storm occurs. Going out on the town to inspect the damage can be dangerous. More debris than usual will be outside and it’s more likely to fly around with the wind. Environmental hazards caused by the storm can be dangerous if you decide to go sight-seeing.
Hopefully this summer storm checklist helps you properly prepare for whatever comes your way. Please stay safe and stay vigilant!
