Preparation is Key

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

Are you prepared for severe weather?

Severe weather can be a scary thing.  Preparation is key to staying safe and minimizing impacts.  The following are a few tips from the National Weather Service to make sure you are prepared when the next severe weather hits:

• Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for severe weather.  Listen to local news to stay informed about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings.
• Sign Up for Notifications: Know how your community sends warning.  Some communities have outdoor sirens.  Others depend on media and smart phones to alert residents to severe storms.
• Create a Communications Plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and other pertinent information.  Pick a safe room in your home such as a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
• Practice Your Plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a damaging wind or large hail is approaching.  Make sure all members of your family know to go to the meeting place when severe thunderstorm warnings are issued and don't forget pets if time allows.
• Prepare Your Home: Keep trees and branches trimmed near your house.  If you have time before severe weather hits, secure loose objects, close windows and doors, and move any valuable items inside or under a sturdy structure.
• Help Your Neighbor: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for severe thunderstorms.  Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt during severe weather.

If your home or business has experienced damage from a severe storm, call SERVPRO of Muskegon today, (231) 733-7601.