Weathering the Storm: Essential Safety Tips for Peak Storm Season
Severe weather can strike with little warning, and staying prepared is your best defense. Whether you are at home, at work, or enjoying outdoor activities, keeping a few key safety rules in mind can make all the difference when dark clouds roll in and the lightening is lighting up the sky.
Before the Storm Hits
- Monitor Local Updates: Keep a reliable weather app installed on your phone with push notifications enabled for immediate alerts.
- Prepare a Power Backup: Charge portable power banks in advance so you can keep your phone powered during a prolonged power outage.
- Track Outdoor Plans: Check the forecast regularly if you plan to be outside, and always have a quick exit strategy to reach safe shelter.
When Severe Weather Arrives
- Seek Shelter Immediately: Head indoors at the first sign of thunder, dark skies, or sudden wind. Avoid open vehicles like convertibles, golf carts, and riding lawnmowers.
- Find the Right Indoor Spot: Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor—such as a hallway, closet, or bathroom—away from windows, doors, and exterior walls. If your home lacks a safe shelter area, identify a nearby sturdy community building in advance. We want you to feel confident that you have a place to go in case the weather gets worse.
- Avoid Plumbing and Electronics: Do not shower, bathe, or wash dishes during a thunderstorm, as lightning can travel through home plumbing networks. Stay off corded phones and away from electrical appliances.
- Stay Clear of Porches and Windows: Resist the urge to watch the storm from a porch or window, as flying debris and shattered glass present major risks during high winds.
Taking a few moments to review your emergency plan ensures you and your family are ready to navigate severe weather safely. Stay alert, stay informed, and prioritize shelter whenever severe weather is on the horizon. This will help keep you calm during potentially stressful storm season!