The weather is crazy this time of year.
My area of the country saw our first snow fall earlier this week with
the temperatures in the teens for the day's high. This coming
weekend, the temperature is suppose to be in the 60's. When there is
that much drastic change in the weather in such a short period of
time, you just know that there will be severe storms. And that is
exactly what is suppose to happen. There are already severe
thunderstorm warnings out (along with a chance for a tornado) for my
area for this Sunday afternoon and evening.
As my family and I start preparing for
the forecasted storms, I thought that I would share our plan with
you. While this plan is flexible and changes as the circumstances
change, this is pretty much what we do for a threat of a
thunderstorm/tornado.
ALERT –
Possible Upcoming Storm
- Monitor weather stations, local radio and t.v.
- Charge cell phones, tablets, etc.
- Fill up vehicles with gas.
- Walk around the outside of the house to make sure no tree limbs or branches could fall onto the house or power lines.
ALERT
– Watch - Approaching Storm
- Monitor weather stations, local radio, NOAA and t.v. stations to follow the approaching storm.
- Start to monitor police/fire scanner and our local community neighborhood watch radios.
- Get out local and county maps so we can pin point exactly where the storm is at and where it is heading to.
- Check flashlights, batteries, candles, matches, anything battery operated. Also test run generators to make sure they run ok. Check fuel, oil, etc in generators. Make sure all generators have the appropriate lengths of extension chords right next to them.
- Check first aid kits to make sure they are in order and easily accessible.
- Unplug computers and other small appliances.
- Secure any outside furniture, Cover grills, and wood stacks.
- Walk dogs so they can take care of “business” before the storm hits rather than them needing to go out during the storm.
- Check all windows to make sure they are closed.
- Call family members (if they are away from home) to make sure they are alerted to the upcoming storm.
-
Make sure all animals are sheltered.
ALERT
– Warning – Storm has struck
- Continue to monitor all radios. Go to basement if warranted.
- If hail is present, close blinds to prevent window glass from flying across room if broken by the hail.
- Stay inside the home during the storm.
- Use only cordless phones, tablets for internet access and communications.
ALERT
– Storm over
- Make sure all family members and neighbors are okay
- Check both inside and outside the home and neighbor's homes to see if there is any property damage.
- Assist in any neighborhood cleanup if needed.
- If power was lost during the storm, wait 5-10 minutes after the power is restored before plugging in any computers or small appliances. This prevents any power surges from destroying them.
Knowing what to do, before, during, and after
is a very important thing. It is so important that it could mean a
matter of life and death. If you don't already have a plan, take some
time today to make one to fit your family and your needs. Thanks for
reading and visiting my blog....and stay safe. :-)
***Image used in this blog is from a public domain image library at http://all-free-download.com/free-photos/thunderstorm_205561.html
