It's essential to prepare in advance for a severe wind event in order to protect yourself and your family.
While severe wind events like hurricanes or tornadoes can be very scary there are things you can do in advance of an event to help you stay safe. There are also things you can do in advance of a severe wind event to harden your home and make it less susceptible as well as prepare for evacuation and safety protocols.
How to prepare for a severe wind event
Hurricanes or tornadoes can be dangerous natural disasters, but with proper preparation and knowledge, you can stay safe during these events. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:
- Know your risk: Check the latest forecasts and evacuation orders and be aware of your area's hurricane or tornado risk. Make sure to know your community's evacuation routes and plan ahead.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Stock up on emergency supplies: Make sure you have enough non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, and any necessary medications to last for at least three days.
- Secure your home: Ensure that your windows and doors are properly secured and reinforce your roof and garage doors to reduce the risk of damage.
- Evacuate if necessary: If you are instructed to evacuate, do so immediately. Don't wait until the storm is upon you.
- Stay informed: Stay up to date with the latest weather updates and evacuation orders through local news and emergency alerts.
- Turn off utilities: If you have to evacuate, turn off all utilities, including electricity, gas, and water, to reduce the risk of damage.
- Take shelter: If you are unable to evacuate, find a safe place in your home such as a basement or interior room without windows. Stay away from windows and protect yourself from flying debris by covering yourself with something sturdy, like a mattress or sofa.
- Avoid driving: Avoid driving during the storm, as strong winds can make it difficult to control your vehicle and there may be fallen power lines or debris in the road.
- Know your evacuation route: Familiarize yourself with your community's evacuation routes and plan ahead. Make sure to know where you will go and how you will get there if you need to evacuate.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of staying safe during a hurricane or tornado. It's also important to have a plan in place and to stay informed so that you can react quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency. You can find more solutions and ways to protect both yourself and your property here.