Many homeowners rarely think of preparing their homes and families for storms and severe weather hits. Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and high winds are becoming common across the country due to unpredictable climate change.
Since there is little that one can do to prevent these extreme weather hits, homeowners can develop a plan to protect their houses and families. This article will highlight the importance of safeguarding homes from storms and what to do to reduce the impact of extreme weather.
Preparation for Hurricanes
Hurricanes are rare, but their impact is felt for years. Therefore, homeowners should strive to protect their property and reduce the potential damage. The first step is safeguarding the house to ensure it can provide as much protection as possible.
Homeowners can seek help from Armour Construction to modify their house and safeguard it from the storm. These construction experts have state-of-the-art technologies and systems to reinforce houses and build storm shelters.
With modern weather forecasting technology, homeowners can learn about impending hurricanes or storms many days in advance. This gives homeowners enough time to evacuate if the hurricane is expected to be severe.
Families that decide not to move can use the storm shelters. They should lock themselves in lower rooms for protection from high winds and the highest rooms for protection against floods.
Families anticipating hurricanes or storms that might last longer should store enough food for several days. They should keep their cars in protected places and store documents and valuables in lockable safes to reduce the risk of damage.
Preparation for Tornadoes
Every state in the United States can experience tornadoes at some point. Although tornadoes are less frequent, they can cause destruction and fatalities. Weather forecast experts and disaster experts recommend reinforcing the foundation, windows, doors, gutters, and water drains.
A storm shelter or an underground bunker can help prevent injuries during violent weather. Therefore, homeowners should consider installing a secure room at the lowest point of their house or a basement for extra protection.
If the tornado is not severe, family members should still stay away from doors, windows, and weak walls. It is also advisable to cover the head with a soft blanket and arms to prevent severe injuries.
When outdoors, one should avoid taking shelter under bridges or tall structures that could fall. If driving, it is advisable to pull over and avoid trying to outrun a tornado. A lower, flat location is safer than a high point due to flying debris, which can cause injuries.
Preparation for Severe Thunderstorms
Severe storms are predictable, but they should not be ignored. Besides reinforcing the house and protecting it, homeowners can protect their families by teaching them about thunderstorms. Thunderstorms generate lightning, which is a major cause of injury or death, especially when accompanied by flash floods, severe winds, hails, and heavy rains.
Lightning generates electricity that can travel in plumbing lines, flood water, metallic materials, and electrical devices such as landline phones. Therefore, families should stay indoors and avoid running water and other tools and devices that conduct electricity.
When a family is outdoors, it is advisable to avoid taking shelter under trees. A car with a metal roof can provide safer shelter. However, it is not advisable to drive in severe thunderstorms that could knock power lines or tree branches, which block the road.
These tips can help homeowners and their families avoid damage and injuries caused by storms. Safeguarding the house and staying in the safest room is the best protection to consider. However, preparation and safety guidelines can come in handy even when storms hit when one is outdoors.
