Prioritize safety if severe storms are in the forecast

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

When severe storms are possible in the area, prioritizing your safety is the best thing you can possibly do to prepare.

When severe storms are possible in the area, prioritizing your safety is the best thing you can possibly do to prepare. In addition to receiving property damage, many people get injured or killed in storms every year—but by taking the proper precautions, you can significantly increase the likelihood that you will survive the storm unscathed.

Understanding the weather alert system, being prepared and well-stocked for emergencies at home and staying in touch with weather alerts are all measures you can take to increase your safety during a storm.

The Difference Between Watches and Warnings

When thunderstorms are a possibility, our area weather officials will release watches and warnings as it is appropriate to do so in order to keep the public informed. A severe weather watch is issued if the conditions point to a thunderstorm occurring—meaning one has not started yet, but there is a high possibility. For severe weather warnings, a thunderstorm has already moved into the area—meaning everyone should immediately seek shelter and listen for further information.

Household Emergency Preparedness

When a thunderstorm is possible, officials will generally alert people to stay in their homes and wait out the process, which means you should stock your house with everything you need. Not only should you have an emergency kit stocked with food, water and medical supplies, but you should also prepare for a power outage by having light sources and backup power sources stashed around the house. Additionally, have a plan for where to go in the home should things get serious—generally a hallway or bathtub is advised.

Have a Way to Tune Into Emergency Broadcasts

While many of us depend on our phones to receive updates online, this may not suffice when it comes to severe weather alerts. When batteries die or a storm upsets the cell reception network, it is important to have another way to receive these life-saving alerts, such as a NOAA Weather Radio that is powered without electricity just in case.

If your home has been impacted by storm damage, we are here for you. You can contact SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort 24/7 at (518) 580-1111 to get a quick response to your home’s damages.