Storm Season Requires Preparation

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

Spring and Summer bring sunshine and warmer weather to your area, but also can mean thunderstorms.

According to Ready now it is important to know the difference between a thunderstorm WATCH and a thunderstorm WARNING. A severe thunderstorm WATCH means a severe thunderstorm (damaging winds of 58 miles per hour or more, or hail three-fourths of an inch in diameter or greater) is likely to develop. A severe thunderstorm WARNING means that a severe thunderstorm has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.

In your area severe storms can cause downed trees/power lines, flash flooding, lightning-related damage, tornado damage, hail and massive amount of debris on roads.

Ready now recommends having these items organized before a storm strikes:

Water

One gallon of water per person, per day, for at least three days, to be used for drinking and sanitation

Food

At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for each member of your family (while non-perishables do last for a long time, you should be regularly checking these supplies to make sure that nothing in your kit is expired)

Battery, solar powered, or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for each

Flashlight and extra batteries

A whistle to signal for help

Dust mask to help filter contaminated air

Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Fire extinguisher

Extra cell phone with batteries/chargers
First aid kit

Prescription medications and eyewear

Emergency reference material such as first aid book

Have COVID-19 supplies stocked: cloth masks or face coverings, hand sanitizer, disinfectant cleaning supplies, sanitizing wipes, and soap.

Important documents such as: insurance policies, copy of driver’s license, Social Security card, birth certificate, and bank account records stored in a watertight container

Cash and change

Copies of local maps

A list of emergency contacts with phone numbers

For Your Vehicle

Jumper cables

First aid kit and necessary medications in case you are away from home for a prolonged period of time (this should include contact lens solution, extra cases, and/or glasses)

Cat litter or sand for better tire traction

Shovel

Ice scraper

Warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes

Rain poncho and umbrella

Blankets or sleeping bags

Road flares or reflective triangles

Baby food/formula, wipes, and diapers if you have an infant

A full tank of gas

Bright colored cloth to use as a flag