alittlebitsocial2 Weather safety is often overlooked as a potential hazard but should be taken seriously. Severe weather events such as tornadoes and floods can cause immense damage to homes and their occupants. Fortunately, with the right actions and preparations, homeowners can reduce the risk of severe damage. Some simple yet effective measures you should take include installing weatherproof doors and windows, reinforcing roof trusses, investing in convenient storm shutters, and ensuring gutters are clear of debris. Doing these will help ensure your property’s safety and security even during extreme weather conditions.
Keep an Eye on the Weather Reports.
Being forewarned puts you in a better place to deal with weather disasters. After all, you can prepare for a tornado, snowstorm, or flood ahead of time if you see them coming. The best way to get information on time is to check the local weather forecasts daily and turn your weather alerts on. Likewise, please pay attention to the seasonal patterns in your area because they can give you a fair idea of upcoming events.
Get adequate insurance coverage.
Although insurance may not directly influence home safety, it can save you a fortune if weather damage occurs. But everything boils down to having adequate coverage, so be sure your home insurance policy covers damage caused by severe calamities like floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. You may even get coverage for relocating to alternative accommodation during emergency repairs.
Ensure a safe shelter
When preparing for a severe weather event such as a tornado or hurricane, the best place to be is in an area of your home that can provide safe protection. This could include an interior room away from windows or if you live in an area known for tornados invest in a modular tornado shelters for mobile homes, these are like mini panic rooms. These shelters are designed to be quickly assembled and offer reliable safety from wind and projectile debris. Obviously here in the UK, we aren’t prone to extreme tornados or hurricanes but if you live in an area that does, it could save your life.
Have a Weather Safety Plan in Place.
Implementing a plan of action can keep you ahead of potential damage. Take all measures to safeguard your assets from wind, water, and projectiles. Lock expensive stuff and appliances securely inside a safe place (we have a fireproof filing cabinet). Secure outdoor furniture properly or bring the pieces inside. Covering the windows with wooden boards is a good option. You must act early when a warning is issued because timely action can prevent damage to your home and injuries to your loved ones, especially if you live by water. Your weather safety plan might include the following:
- Stay Alert to Weather Changes – One of the most important things you must do when creating your weather safety plan is always to stay alert and watch for signs of changes in the atmosphere.
- Identify Relevant Contacts – It is important to identify contacts that can provide support in times of emergency and danger.
- Have A Place to Shelter – Your safety plan should include at least one location that can offer shelter from strong winds and heavy rainstorms, such as a secure room, outbuilding or garage.
- Stock Necessary Supplies – it’s essential to have stocked supplies such as torches with extra batteries, blankets, and food items in a non-perishable form such as tinned goods with easy open lids, water bottles and medication needed.
Practice Flooding Safety
Floods are one of the most common causes of death and destruction during natural disasters, so staying safe in floods is essential. If public safety officials issue an evacuation order, respect their advice even if you don’t feel in immediate danger – rising waters are highly unpredictable. They could reach your doorstep faster than you anticipate. Make sure you avoid walking or swimming in flooded areas – the water may contain hazardous materials or be hiding unseen obstacles underneath.
Take Extra Care in High Winds
High winds can cause severe damage and put you in danger. It’s important to remember that any outside objects may become projectiles when the wind picks up, so take extra care when outside. Secure loose items like patio umbrellas or planters to prevent them from dislodging in the wind. Also, avoid large trees and utility poles, as these could easily be uprooted during high winds.
Know the Difference Between a Watch and a Warning.
When severe weather threatens, it’s essential to understand the difference between a watch and a warning. A watch means that conditions are favourable for a specific type of severe weather to occur, and you should be prepared for any warnings issued. Warnings indicate that a life-threatening form of extreme weather is imminent, and you should take immediate action. Know your area’s emergency plan to know the best course of action during life-threatening conditions.
The UK’s Met Office provides weather warnings to citizens through the National Severe Weather Warning Service. Warnings are designated a specific color, such as yellow or red, according to the severity and likelihood of potential impacts from the severe weather. Members of the public need to read each individual warning made available to understand what level of impact might be expected for their location. Potential adverse effects due to extreme weather can include property damage, travel disruptions and delays, water supply loss, power outages and in some cases, a threat to life.
Know when to evacuate
You may have to evacuate at some point if staying at home can compromise your family’s safety. For example, flooding and roof damage are good reasons to evacuate until the problems are resolved with repairs. Know when to evacuate and what measures to take to implement the necessary repairs. Remember to carry your valuable documents, jewellery, and sentimental items while leaving the house.
Weather safety is a critical matter for homeowners, so they must be adequately prepared for the worst. You can implement these simple measures to protect your home and family from unexpected disasters.
