What Benefits Does Creating a Storm Safety Plan Provide? | SERVPRO® of Beaver County

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Beaver County right away.

Thunderstorms are extremely common around the world, especially here at home. In fact, there are around 100,000 thunderstorms throughout the United States every year, which is more than 200 every single day.

These dangerous weather events can include strong winds, hail, flooding and lightning strikes that can all do serious damage to you and your home.

Here in Pennsylvania, Beaver County to be specific, we are particularly at risk of suffering from these disasters, facing cold fronts from the north and warm air movements from the south. Combined with the fact that rivers and creeks run through our entire area, flooding is extremely common around here due to storms.

It would be awesome to change the weather and prevent anything dangerous from coming close to us, but that’s a fantasy. Preparing for severe storms, on the other hand, is very possible, and can help you stay safer by reducing the impact storms have on you and your home.

From putting together an emergency kit to creating a communication strategy for your family, there are many ways to prepare that we’ll discuss here today.

<h3severe-weather-communication-strategy">Your Severe Weather Communication Strategy

Knowing what’s going to happen before it does isn’t impossible when it comes to storms. Staying informed by listening to your local officials who provide emergency alerts is the best way to know what’s coming.

On top of using your cellphone and television, acquiring an NOAA weather radio is a good idea in case you lose power or signal.

On top of being able to receive government alerts, developing a communication strategy for your family is important. Check in with every member of the family before the storm hits so you’re not worried about their safety when you should be focusing on yours.

Picking a safe room (like a basement, bathroom or closet) with no windows is crucial so you have a place to shelter when the eye of the storm is on you. Choose one of the bottom level of your house.

<h3severe-weather-emergency-kit">Your Severe Weather Emergency Kit

Aside from knowing what to do, knowing what to pack is also critical to outlasting the effects of extreme weather. Prepping an emergency kit that can sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours is imperative. Pack plenty of food, water and first-aid supplies because these often run out fastest.

To improve your kit beyond the basic necessities, adding flashlights, batteries, clothes and any prescription medication can prove useful.

<h3severe-weather-aftermath-checklist">Your Severe Weather Aftermath Checklist

Once the storms are gone, and it’s safe to exit your home, there are a few steps you should take to prepare yourself and debrief. Observing how your planning worked and didn’t work will help you improve upon it for the next disaster.

Then, once you and your family have been checked on, you should then inspect your property for damage.

With any luck, the storm came and went without damaging your home. However, in the event that your home is damaged, remember to call SERVPRO of Beaver County. Our expert team in green has more than 50 years of experience, and we always provide a quick response to any disaster.

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO to handle the restoration. We’re here ²⁴⁄₇ to spring into action—get in touch with us today.