Severe weather events can occur anywhere, at any time, and can create dangerous situations that cause significant damage to your home, vehicles, and personal belongings. According to new research reported by NBC, severe storm events that cost $1 billion or more are happening more frequently than before, with Tornado Alley shifting east and impacting new areas like Georgia. However, it’s never too late to start preparing your home(s), vehicles, and family for severe weather. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Keep an Emergency Kit
It’s essential to keep an emergency kit both at home and in your car. The kit should include basic first aid items such as bandages, antibacterial cream, and gauze, flashlights and batteries, manual can openers, water, snacks, cell phones and chargers, extra blankets and coats, salt and winter tools.
Make a Detailed Plan
Make a detailed plan that includes escape routes in case of emergency. You should also stock up on non-perishable food and water and seal up windows and doors during winter storms or reinforce them during hurricanes and tornadoes.
Protect Your Vehicles
During hail storms, move your vehicle to covered parking if possible, or use moving blankets to provide some protection from hail damage. Avoid parking under trees. When strong winds and heavy rain are expected, make sure your car is parked on high ground, away from flood-prone areas.
Stay Safe
During thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes, stay inside and away from windows and doors. Ensure you bring your pets inside and keep them safe.
Consider Flood Insurance
Nearly 90% of natural disasters involve flooding, so it’s important to consider flood insurance as an additional coverage to standard homeowners, condo, and renters policies. You should also speak with your insurance professional to ensure you have the right amount of coverage to rebuild or repair your home and replace its contents, as well as to cover temporary living expenses if your property is uninhabitable.
Severe weather events can be devastating and can cause widespread damage. Hurricane Ian, for example, was responsible for $112.9 billion in damage, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As the climate crisis intensifies, the impacts of storm surges, flooding, mudslides, and heavy rainfall will only increase, and communities that lack the resources to respond and recover will be hit hardest.
Preparing for severe weather is crucial to protect your home, vehicles, and family. By following the above tips, you can help ensure that you are ready for any severe weather event that may occur.
