Be Ready and Don't Let Severe Weather Take You By Surprise
The summer season brings warmer weather, sunshine, and the threat of severe weather. Severe weather can produce heavy rain, tornados, strong wind, large hail, flooding, and lightning. Conditions can change rapidly when storms are overhead or close by. You can be ready this summer with these severe weather preparedness and safety tips.
Severe Weather Preparedness
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Have an emergency kit with these items you probably already have in your home: flashlight(s), battery powered weather radio, extra batteries to fit each electronic (including cell phone), non-perishable foods (canned goods and dry foods), lots of bottled water, can opener, first aid kit (with a disinfectant), fire extinguisher, blankets, extra clothes, sturdy shoes or boots, clock or watch, whistle to signal for help, important personal items (eyeglasses, prescriptions, etc.), and paper documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, and other significant legal papers.
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Know the safest structure of your home to go to during a severe storm such as a basement, underground cellar, or even the most inner part of your home away from windows.
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Get routine maintenance on your roof and the foundation! Cracks in the roof are the number one leading cause to flooding damage.
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Cut down any unwanted trees or limbs and get your trees trimmed before summer storm season. Trees and branches can fall on your property and damage the siding or windows due to those powerful 100 mph thunderstorm winds.
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Contact your insurance company to be more familiar with your policy.
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Keep all favored possessions off the floor and away from low ground in case of flooding. Keep them in the highest part of the home preferably.
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Keep all patio furniture, grills, etc. indoors before a summer storm hits. Do not forget to park your vehicles in the garage!
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If your town is evacuating due to a hurricane, secure and board up windows and any openings of your home.
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Finally, take those summer storm warnings and alerts seriously, especially tornado and hurricane warnings.
Being prepared and ready to handle severe weather can help you minimize risk and impacts to your home and family.