Winter weather thawing away and making way for sunshine is welcome news to most of us. Whenever warm, moist spring air collides with cool, dry winter air, severe weather follows. Depending on the area you live, spring’s arrival means thunderstorms, tornado warnings and/or flooding. It’s best to prepare for these storms as if they are certain to occur, even if you are in an area where these storms aren’t common. This way you and your family are more than prepared if they do. As the saying goes, prepare for the worst and hope for the best!
Preparing Your Home
Before spring storms hit, take a closer look at your home and think about weak spots. Does water seep in from your door on particularly stormy days? You should get that taken care of before a stormy season, even if it isn’t a major problem yet! It could very well become disastrous during a severe thunderstorm.
Check if your roof is in good condition. If you need any maintenance, don’t hesitate to call us at Lewis Roofing for touch ups or an entirely new and reliable roof. We are on call 24 hours a day during storm events and respond to roofing emergencies as they appear.
However, you can never be too prepared! Ahead of spring, clear your gutters and make sure water has a place to flow away from your home. If your storm drains are clogged, clear them to avoid flooding. If you have outdoor furniture, bring it in before a storm so it doesn’t fly away and end up in your neighbors front yard.
If you anticipate severe storms, consider investing in a generator to ensure you keep your electricity. Taping up your windows also adds a layer of protection and helps them hold together instead of shattering from extreme wind.
Supplies
When extreme weather hits, you may be stuck at home without a working car, and without electricity. If this happens, you want to have a storm kit with the following:
- Flashlight and new batteries.
- Battery or solar-powered weather radio.
- First aid supplies; bandages, disinfectant, gloves, tweezers, painkillers, sterile gauze pads and whatever else you deem necessary.
- Personal hygiene products.
- Blankets or sleeping bags.
- At least a three-day supply of canned or dried food and water.
- A change of clothes for everyone in the home.
- Extra food for your pets.
It is a good idea to keep an emergency preparedness kit with these supplies in your car also, in case you find yourself washed out to the side of the road in an emergency.
Emergency Plan
Severe weather is very stressful. In the moment when your home is flooding and you have to evacuate, it is very difficult to grab everything you need. That is why you and your household need to set an emergency plan that you’re all familiar with and know thoroughly.
Assign someone to grab the storm kit, assign someone to grab the pets in the house and someone to secure the house before you go. Basically, have someone responsible for every necessary task, that way you aren’t arguing about it in the crucial moments during a storm!
Also, assign a meeting place in case you get separated and don’t have your phones. It is always good to familiarize yourself with your city's evacuation plan as well.
It is good to be prepared for these situations before you are confronted with them. Having a plan in place helps you tremendously in the stressful and scary moment that a severe storm does hit your home. Always better to be safe than sorry! If you have questions on your roof’s condition before storm season, contact our team today at Lewis Roofing!
