Preparing after spring storms

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms are the main culprit in bringing in severe spring weather, such as lightning, tornadoes, and flooding. When warm, moist air runs into cool, dry air it results in thunderstorms.  Spring is the main season that these treacherous storms usually begin. Spring brings uncertainty and unpredictability in the weather forecast. It can change on a dime, what may seem like beautiful sunny weather could dramatically change to a harsh and eerie storm. It is easy to go unprepared when these dramatic storms don’t normally hit the region you live in but because spring weather is so unpredictable it is important to be aware and ready for anything that could come your way.  

General preparations

Take safety precautions and have an emergency kit easily accessible. Here are a few things to include:

• Flashlight
• Battery operated weather radio
• Have an evacuation and/or shelter plan
• List of personal information such as contact info for family and friends
• Insurance and property info
• Medical information
• Include a first aid kit with medical supplies
• Plenty of bottled water and nonperishable food items ready for multiple days
• Toiletries
• Blankets

It is not only important to have an emergency kit in your home but also in your car if you were  stranded somewhere when a storm hit. Be sure to practice emergency plans and have all family members be aware of where the emergency kit is held.

Flood preparations

Thunderstorms can bring heavy rainfall, and as the weather gets warmer and snow begins to melt the extra water can begin to overtake streams and ditches ultimately leading to flooding. Here are some ways to be prepared for a flood:

• Make sure your house has flood insurance, it can help protect against difficult expenses that you’d be responsible for otherwise.
• Keep a record of valuable items within your home because it will help when filing an insurance claim.
• Keep important files and documents in a protected and safe place either in or out of the home.
• Have an emergency kit
• Create an evacuation plan

If a flood is in the process and it’s slow-moving then you may have time, before evacuating, to reduce any damage that may occur by placing sandbags around your home. Also if you are able, be sure to turn off gas, water, and electricity. Lastly, you can help alleviate damage to your valuables by getting them to the higher levels of your house.

Weather preparations

Don’t only focus on preparations within your home but also on the outside to help prevent damage. Here are different ways to be ready when bad weather hits:

• Check your roof and identify any problem areas such as missing shingles, leaks, and loose siding. Make sure your house has a good chance to withstand a heavy
  windstorm and pieces won’t easily be ripped off.
• Choose mulch rather than rock or gravel when landscaping your yard so when a storm occurs it won’t do any damage.
• Keep trees and shrubbery maintained in your yard by either trimming or cutting trees down. Be sure to look out for any dead or weak limbs that could potentially fall or break in a storm.
• Clean and check gutters. Make sure gutters are tightened down so they won’t be torn off in a storm and cause damage. Protect your basement from flooding by re-positioning downspouts away from your house.
• Protect the inside of your home by making sure top-heavy furniture pieces are securely fastened to the wall.

Take action and prevent extra damage to your home by simply maintaining the condition of its exterior.

Rain boots and a rain jacket are good to have if you are a child splashing in puddles. However, it’ll take more than even an umbrella to withstand all that nature brings during the spring season. A child may look to their parent for protection when a thunderstorm strikes but it’ll take a smart parent to know their child is truly protected when precautions had been made prior to the storm. Spring is a beautiful time of year and can truly be captivating and breathtaking as colors come to life, but when storms lurk on the horizon, being prepared will help you rest easy and truly enjoy the sense of rejuvenation that spring can bring.

Don’t be caught off guard or surprised by an unpredictable storm, in fact, take the surprise factor out by simply being prepared for what may come. But, if the spring showers do lead to water damage, call SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today to speak to a Mitigation Specialist.