Keep Weather Disaster Plans Ready All Year
Be Prepared for a Hurricane or Any Storm with Supplies & Information
Sep 8, 2009
The weather channel and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) keep U.S. residents informed of storm activity all year long. Much of the major unstable weather activity is seasonal, such as hurricanes and snowstorms. Other catastrophic weather conditions such as tornadoes, floods, and wildfires caused by electrical storms, can happen any time of year. Advanced planning for severe weather saves lives.
Take All Storm Warnings Seriously
According to the NOAA Coastal Services Center website, in the article, "Coastal Storms Program" (no author given), "Up to $2.2 trillion of the U.S. economy are believed to be effected annually by weather and climate events." And, "An estimated 50 to 100 people die annually from hurricane-related events in the US. Nine out of ten people who die from hurricanes are a result of storm surge." The same site also states, "Floods are the most frequent natural disaster; one in three Federal disaster declarations is related to flooding."
The website from the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Cleveland, Ohio, offers information on storm safety in the article, "Severe Weather Safety Guide" (no author, July 2009). Winter storms can be deceptive killers, as some people don't consider the dangers beyond the storm: "Many deaths are indirectly related to the storm, such as people who die of heart attacks while shoveling snow and hypothermia from the cold. In fact, the Blizzard of 1993 claimed 250 lives nationwide, 9 of which were in Ohio."
Keep Storm Plans Active All Year Long
Snow storms occur in winter months, and hurricane season lasts from June 1st to November 30th. There are everyday storm supplies that should be kept on hand all year long, however, because some weather disasters can happen without warning – a tornado, for example, or flood. Even wildfires can happen unexpectedly, caused by lightning strikes. What basic items should the homeowner have on hand at all times in the event of a weather disaster? (Apartment dwellers can keep many of these items on hand, too.)
- Working fire extinguisher
- Smoke detectors
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Road maps (local and state)
- Radio and batteries
- Flashlights and batteries
- Disposable camera (Take photos of damages for insurance purposes)
- Tool box equipped with (at least) scissors, duct tape, hammer, nails, screwdriver, utility knife, and pliers
- Pet carrier
- First aid kit fully stocked
- Large tools such as gas-operated chain saw, hand saw, hatchet, safety glasses, heavy-duty work gloves
- Heavy plastic garbage bags
- A large plastic bin with lid (Protects important papers, medicines, etc.)
Update Disaster Information for Accuracy
Sorting through damaged belongings is hard enough, but filing claims after a weather disaster or wildfire gets frustrating for homeowners who can't provide enough of the proper information to recover major losses. There are additional precautions one can take to stay ready for bad weather or fire conditions:
- Keep the family plan updated, including emergency contact information and escape routes.
- Know where the house water meter is; know how to turn off gas in the home, and how to shut off electricity.
- Know the disaster plan of each child's school (and daycare).
- Know how to manage the care of an elderly family member.
- Keep the yard free of debris and keep trees trimmed.
- Know where to store lawn furniture, boats, trailers, garbage cans, etc.
- Keep the family vehicle maintained and in good running condition.
- Keep the storm shelter clean if there is one, and stocked with emergency supplies.
- Videotape the contents of the home and record serial numbers, models, etc. Give a copy of the tape to a trusted friend or relative – out of state, preferably – for safekeeping.
- Photocopy important papers and store safely in plastic zipper bags.
- Keep at least some cash on hand for sudden storm emergencies.
Residents are strongly advised to pay attention to and respect unstable weather conditions. Each year, people die in storm-related incidents. Many of the fatalities could have been prevented had the person known ahead of time what to do and had been prepared. Don't wait until the last minute to get supplies or devise a plan for escape. Shelves empty quickly – as in the case of an approaching hurricane – and lines are long.
Take health conditions into account when planning how to manage a weather disaster. Know how to operate dangerous machinery before a storm hits to avoid injury. It may be better to hire outside help to clean up after a storm than to risk injury or damaged health. It pays to keep up with storm preparation items. Updating information and replenishing supplies throughout the year means reduced stress and less drain on the family budget when a storm does arrive.
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