The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1st and is trending to be more active than usual. Therefore, it’s essential for you to prepare for any natural disaster, such as a severe thunderstorm, before it happens. Therefore, get organized and have a plan in place. This will make it easier for you and your family when severe weather hits.
Create a Thunderstorm Plan
If you have not already done so, create a written disaster plan with your family and have them all review it. It should include:
- Marked emergency exits
- A meeting place near your home (building, known landmark, park, etc.)
- The location of emergency kits
Your family may be separated during a big thunderstorm, hurricane, hail storm, or other weather events. In this case, have them meet at the designated location when it is safe to do so. Assign a relative or trusted friend as an emergency contact person. Lastly, make sure each family member has their contact information.
Ensure all adults and older children know how to shut off gas and water mains. This will reduce the risk of additional damage to your home and belongings.
Make an Emergency Kit
Every family should have an emergency kit, which you should have in backpacks or other easy-to-carry bags. The emergency kit should include:
- Manual can opener
- Non-perishable emergency food
- Bottled water (1 gallon per day per person)
- Disposable camera
- Battery-powered flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Emergency phone number list
- First aid kit
- Essential medications
- Change of clothes for each family member
- Important papers (copies of identification, bank information, etc.)
- Credit cards and cash
- Battery-powered or hand-crank portable radio
Check the bag periodically to ensure your cards are current, the batteries still work, and lastly, that all contact information is still accurate.
Prepping Before the Big Thunderstorm
When a potentially severe thunderstorm is forecast, pay attention to the local news to stay informed. If the government issues evacuation orders, follow them.
Prepare your home to prevent damage by:
- Putting away outdoor toys, furniture, tools, and anything that could become a flying object
- Turn up your refrigerator and freezer to keep perishable items cold in case of a power outage
- Close and secure storm shutters or cover windows and exterior glass with plywood
- Make sure you pack emergency kits and that they are ready to go
- Review the evacuation plan with your family
- Fill your car with fuel in case you need to evacuate
If you receive orders to evacuate, unplug appliances and turn off the electricity and other utilities. Then, consider moving furniture and valuables from the ground floor to a higher level in case of flooding. Next, make sure the doors are locked and bolted behind you.
Do not leave pets behind to fend for themselves in a thunderstorm. Remember to ensure your emergency kit includes food, water, a pet carrier, or a leash for your pets. Next, don’t forget to include a copy of their most recent veterinary records. Similarly, make sure their ID tags and collar are on them. Finally, if you can, leave them with a trusted friend or kennel your pets in a location away from the impending big thunderstorm or natural disaster.
After the Big Storm
Suppose your home is damaged after the storm. In that case, it may be a good idea to call in the professionals at Allied Restoration in Gambrills, Maryland. Our licensed, bonded, and insured remediators assess the damage caused by water, fire, and smoke.
We work with your insurance company to get your home cleaned quickly and effectively to minimize the damage to your home and belongings. Keep our contact number handy and make it a part of your emergency kit so you can contact us at the first sign of storm damage.
Allied Restoration is an IICRC (Institute Of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification), Certified Firm. Our Senior Project Manager, Wilma Fogler, was the first person in the State of Maryland to achieve the IICRC Master Water Restorer Certification. Allied is Licensed, Bonded, Insured, and a member in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. 