Does your family have a plan for what to do during severe weather?
According to reports from the National Weather Service, each year the United States has 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 1,000 tornadoes and 2 hurricanes, on average.
Is your family ready?
The 8 things to do to get ready for severe weather:
- Be familiar with the warning system in your area to find out about severe weather and what to do.
- Find out what severe conditions tend to happen in your area from your local emergency management office. Also, find out what animal care is available for emergency situations.
- Train family members on where to meet during storms – basements or internal rooms on the lowest floor for tornadoes, away from windows during severe thunderstorms.
- Make your family’s plan for evacuation during hurricanes BEFORE the storm starts.
- Practice, practice, practice drills for the entire family so everyone knows what do to.
- Make sure you have back up power, especially if you have a family member who relies on some sort of electrically-powered equipment for their health or survival.
- Secure anything that can blow away such as lawn furniture or trash cans.
- Understand the severe weather procedures for your work or your children’s schools and daycare facilities.
Things to make sure you have on hand for emergency situations:
1 gallon of water for each person for each day for drinking and hygiene, food, flashlights, weather radio, more batteries, cell phones and chargers, first aid kit, any necessary medications, personal hygiene products, important documents kept in a waterproof bag, emergency contact information, cash and anything you need for your pet.
For more information about safety and preparedness, please check out www.energizer.com for tips and ideas.
