Your Home In Harsh Weather: How To Stay Safe
Not all homes have the luxury of being completely stable in a neutral and predictable climate. Oftentimes, a hurricane or nor'easter will come out of no where and leave a path of chaos and destruction in its wake. Weather terms like "bomb cyclone" and "thundersnow" are being tossed around as if they've been a part of our vernacular for centuries. And these days it isn't just snowing outside: it's "Winter Storm [insert name here]"! How are owners of older homes, for example, supposed to keep up?
Keeping your home and your loved ones safe and secure during storms and other weather emergencies should be priority number one when it comes to emergency preparedness. Having the right plan, and the right tools on hand, are paramount to staying safe and out of harm's way. Here's what we suggest for staying safe in harsh weather.
Keeping your home and your loved ones safe and secure during storms and other weather emergencies should be priority number one when it comes to emergency preparedness. Having the right plan, and the right tools on hand, are paramount to staying safe and out of harm's way. Here's what we suggest for staying safe in harsh weather.
Your Home In Harsh Weather: How To Stay Safe
Designate ​A Safe Room
A safe room (or a panic room) is a designated, reinforced room in your home (either attached within, or detached), where your family should gather in case of an emergency. In parts of the country where natural disasters like tornadoes are likely, storm cellars or tornado shelters are common and considered a safe room. No reinforced rooms or storm cellars handy? Try a bathroom, closet or pantry. “These alternative safe rooms work best because of their absence of windows,” says Buzz Weiss of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA).
Safe rooms are typically constructed with reinforced materials, such as reinforced concrete or steel, to withstand the high winds and flying debris associated with severe weather events. Safe rooms should have a ventilation system that allows for a continuous supply of fresh air.
During harsh weather events, when warnings are issued, individuals should seek shelter in the safe room as soon as possible. Additionally, keep an emergency kit filled with all of the necessary essentials stored safely in your safe room. Your kit should be made out of waterproof and fireproof material, yet readily accessible.
Safe rooms are typically constructed with reinforced materials, such as reinforced concrete or steel, to withstand the high winds and flying debris associated with severe weather events. Safe rooms should have a ventilation system that allows for a continuous supply of fresh air.
During harsh weather events, when warnings are issued, individuals should seek shelter in the safe room as soon as possible. Additionally, keep an emergency kit filled with all of the necessary essentials stored safely in your safe room. Your kit should be made out of waterproof and fireproof material, yet readily accessible.
Practical Tools To Keep On Hand
When preparing for harsh weather conditions, having practical tools readily available can be crucial for staying safe and maintaining a sense of security. In addition to your fully-charged cell phone, here are some essential practical tools that you should consider keeping on hand:
Remember to periodically check and update your emergency supplies, and make sure all household members know where these tools are kept and how to use them safely.
- Flashlights and Lanterns: In case of power outages, a reliable flashlight or lantern is essential for navigating in the dark and avoiding potential hazards.
- Battery or Hand-Cranked Radio: A battery-powered or hand-cranked radio can keep you informed about weather updates, emergency alerts, and important information when traditional communication channels are down.
- Emergency Weather App: Install a reliable weather app on your smartphone that provides real-time alerts and weather updates specific to your location.
- Portable Power Bank: Ensure you have a fully charged portable power bank to keep your essential electronic devices, such as cell phones, charged during power outages.
- First Aid Kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is crucial for treating minor injuries and managing medical emergencies until professional help is available.
- Extra Batteries: Keep a supply of extra batteries for your flashlights, radios, and other battery-operated devices.
- Emergency Blankets: These compact, lightweight blankets help retain body heat and provide insulation in cold weather conditions.
- Multi-Tool or Swiss Army Knife: A versatile multi-tool or Swiss Army knife can be handy for various tasks, including opening cans, cutting rope, or making minor repairs.
- Fire Extinguisher: Have a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location to quickly respond to small fires and prevent them from spreading.
- Non-Perishable Food and Water: Keep a supply of non-perishable food items (canned goods, energy bars, etc.) and bottled water to sustain you during emergencies when access to fresh food and water is limited.
- Hygiene Supplies: Pack basic hygiene items such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and toilet paper to maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of germs.
- Chargers and Adapters: If you rely on specific medical devices or electronic equipment, ensure you have the necessary chargers and adapters.
Remember to periodically check and update your emergency supplies, and make sure all household members know where these tools are kept and how to use them safely.
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Water Measures
Having a water tank for long-term emergency preparedness is an excellent idea, especially in areas where access to clean and safe drinking water might be compromised during harsh weather or other emergencies. Storing water in a dedicated tank ensures that you have a reliable supply for drinking, cooking, and sanitation when the usual water sources are unavailable or contaminated.
Choose a water tank size that meets the needs of your household or the number of individuals it will serve during an emergency. Calculate the required water volume based on the number of people, the duration you expect to rely on the stored water, and the estimated daily water consumption per person.
Remember that water is essential for survival, and having a water tank for long-term emergency preparedness is an important part of being self-sufficient during harsh weather or other emergencies. It provides peace of mind knowing that you have a reserve of clean water to rely on when other water sources may not be available or safe to use.
Choose a water tank size that meets the needs of your household or the number of individuals it will serve during an emergency. Calculate the required water volume based on the number of people, the duration you expect to rely on the stored water, and the estimated daily water consumption per person.
Remember that water is essential for survival, and having a water tank for long-term emergency preparedness is an important part of being self-sufficient during harsh weather or other emergencies. It provides peace of mind knowing that you have a reserve of clean water to rely on when other water sources may not be available or safe to use.
Ensuring the safety of our homes during harsh weather conditions is of paramount importance. By implementing practical measures and having essential tools readily available, we can significantly enhance our preparedness and protect ourselves and our loved ones during emergencies.
Do you and your family have an emergency plan in place? What advice would you share? Let us know in the comments below.
Do you and your family have an emergency plan in place? What advice would you share? Let us know in the comments below.
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