Severe Weather: How to Be Prepared for Mother Nature

Every year, the U.S. is hit with various severe storms all across the country, ranging from tornadoes to hurricanes, and they can have devastating effects. From extreme flooding that displaces families and destroys homes to high winds that can cause fatal damage, storm season has a huge impact on many areas of the country.

It’s imperative, then, to learn how to be prepared when Mother Nature gets riled up and to make sure your family is prepared as well. This can mean anything from being ready to evacuate quickly to helping the family pet stay calm when thunder booms. You’ll need to keep a cool head, too, so familiarize yourself with stress management techniques like deep breathing. One of the most potentially damaging things you can do in a crisis situation is panic.

Getting organized will help too. Ready.gov suggests starting by researching the types of weather that most affect your area, especially if you are new in town. You can even get your kids involved by teaching them about storm spotting. Knowing how to handle different kinds of weather emergencies is essential in staying safe.

To help you better prepare yourself for the next big weather event, we at Greatland Laser invite you to keep reading.

Create a Storm Kit

Having a storm kit prepared will give you peace of mind, especially if it’s necessary to leave quickly. Fill a box with items you might need during the type of storm that’s common to your area, such as a flashlight with extra batteries, a spare phone charger, a crank radio, ponchos or blankets for the entire family, extra cash, bottled water and snacks, medication, and toiletries. And don’t forget about an emergency rescue laser from Greatland Laser! Also keep in mind that if you usually use your garage to enter and exit your home, you won’t be able to raise the door if there’s a power outage, so keep your house keys close.

Look Into Flood Insurance

It seems that every year, we see more and more stories about disastrous floods that take entire homes away from families. When storm season begins to crank up, you can be sure there will be even more events like these, so FEMA says it’s important to look for affordable flood insurance that will protect you and your family in the event of an emergency.

Stay on Top of the Weather Forecast

With all the technology at our fingertips these days, it’s easier than ever to stay on top of the weather forecast. While meteorologists can only do so much with the information they’re given, the ability to see a little bit into the future can definitely help you and your family stay safe. Keep track of daily weather reports so that you always know what’s coming your way.

Get Familiar with Your Home’s Safety Features

From knowing exactly where the fuse box, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and water shut-off valves are to getting familiar with emergency features such as sprinkler systems and automatic door-locks, it’s a good idea to make sure you know where everything is in your home. Teach your family members about these features as well so that everyone is on the same page.

Take Stock of Your Property

If you live in an area prone to strong weather events, it also pays to be proactive in protecting your property. For example, if you live in an area prone to tornadoes or hurricanes, have a plan to secure patio furniture, tools, equipment, and anything else that has the potential to hurt someone or your home. The same holds true for large trees. If you have trees close to your home that could bring significant damage, it’s best to have these removed. Anything larger than your home should be removed by a professional with the necessary gear and know-how.

Being prepared for bad weather will not only keep you and your family members safe, but it will also ensure that your home isn’t damaged or destroyed and save you quite a bit of money and heartache in the long run. Start with a good plan and make sure your family members are all on board as well.

Greatland Laser has sold its patented laser emergency signaling devices throughout the world since 2001. Contact us for more info today! www.greatlandlaser.com