How to Prepare for Spring Storms

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

The combination of thunderstorms and flooding is what spring time brings to the table. And since the weather is so unpredictable in spring time, it’s extremely important to be prepared before spring storms hit. Here’s a few things on how to protect you and your family, and your property from severe spring weather:

Before a Spring Storm

• Create a disaster preparedness plan: Decide an outside meeting place and escape plans from each room in your house. Practice the plan with family members and make sure everyone knows where to go so no one gets split up if a storm hits. Including your any pets you may have is important and make sure they have identification tags on just in case separated.
• Make sure you and your family know how to turn off all utilities in your home and make sure everyone knows how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Make sure you have an emergency supply kit or a first aid kit.
• Make sure you have insurance especially flood insurance, which is not included in standard policies. Don’t wait until the last minute to get flood insurance because a storm might strike before it takes effect and you will be stuck with a mess.
• Make sure your home is updated and can withstand severe storms. Make sure shingles are tight and in place good and waterproof your basement, windows, and doors.
• Make sure you yard is clean and updated. If there is a lot of sticks or loose branches hanging from trees cut them down before a storm strikes.
• Keep drains and gutters clean so water can filter and drain correctly. Make sure gutters are tightly attached to your house so there is no chance of them being ripped off the side of your home.

During a Storm

• When a storm is coming, make sure that all valuables in your yard are brought inside and move all vehicles and any other equipment to higher grounds.
• Don’t ever walk through moving water you can easily get swept away and you also do not know what’s in the water either. Flood waters can have contaminants and animals that you don’t need to come in contact with.
• If you’re outside, get to a higher position and avoid low areas that are likely to flood.
• Don’t drive through floodwater either you can very easily get swept away by doing this also.
• If you’re inside, make sure all windows and doors are securely shut. Stay away from the windows glass may break. If you have a basement you may want to go down there if the storm is very severe.
• Do not use anything electrical while during the storm. Turn off all utilities during the storm
• Stay up to date on weather conditions and listen to local authorities if they tell you to evacuate your home.

After a Storm

• Make sure everyone in your family is okay and check for damages to your home and be very careful if you see hazardous conditions when searching for damages.
• If you suspect damage to utilities, call local authorities and wait for their approval to turn them back on.
• If your home has been flooded:
  • Avoid contact with floodwater, its most likely going to have contaminants in it.
  • Make lists of all damaged and lost items, and take photos.
  • File an insurance claim if flooding has occurred.
  • Hire a professional damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Corinth/Iuka, to get your home back to normal.

Remember, spring storms hit fast so make sure you and your family are fully prepared for spring storms. Call SERVPRO of Corinth/Iuka at (662) 287-7881 when spring storms damage your home we are always here to help!