The weather is getting more extreme every year. No matter whether you’re on the coast or smack in the middle of America, you need to be prepared for extreme weather. Here are eight steps to take to prepare for bad weather, especially in the spring.
Store Water and Non-Perishable Food
Having enough food and water is crucial to preparing for extreme weather. Between severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods, the likelihood of damage to roads and potable water supplies increases. And as anyone who lives in a hurricane-prone area can tell you, the rush to stock up before a major storm can be a nightmare.
The challenge with extreme spring weather is that it can be sudden and unpredictable. Trying to collect enough food and water in the middle of extreme weather can be dangerous or impossible, so it’s a good idea to do some advance preparation.
Generally, try to have enough bottled water and non-perishable food to last you between two and five days. And if you have pets, make sure you keep a mini kit of food and water for them, too!
Stay Warm With Blankets
Extreme weather often comes with cold fronts. And when they damage the electrical grid, you’ll need ways to keep yourself warm. This is especially true as sudden snowstorms tend to creep deeper into spring, sometimes as late as mid-May in some areas of the country.
Keep a supply of clean, warm blankets to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
Get a First Aid Kit
Extreme weather can cause injuries. Things like bandages, sterile gloves, and over-the counter pain medication could save your life if you or others are harmed by extreme weather events.
And of course, be sure to pack any prescription medications you may require as well.
Get Battery-Powered Flashlights, Radios, & Batteries
Having two or three battery-powered flashlights is a good idea, just in case one gets lost or damaged. In addition to flashlights, consider a battery-powered or crank-powered radio to stay informed about what’s going on in your immediate area.
And don’t forget to have extra batteries for everything. Purchase several packs of batteries of appropriate sizes for your battery-powered items, and don’t be afraid to overdo it. It’s better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them.
Make a List of Important Information
When disaster strikes, having access to important information can give you a head start on recovery. Keep copies of the following information in a safe place, and consider having physical and digital copies.
- Identification, like a driver’s license or passport
- Medical information
- Insurance information
- Banking information
- Property information
- Telephone numbers and emails for family, neighbors, and utility companies
Have an Evacuation Plan
The previous steps are all helpful for if you plan to hunker down during extreme weather. But in some cases, you’ll need to evacuate as quickly as possible.
Your evacuation plan should include the following:
- Maps with evacuation routes
- Checkpoints for where everyone should meet following the extreme weather event
- Hard copies of phone numbers in case your phone storage is lost or destroyed
- A go bag that includes food, water, clothing, blankets, and medication
Make a Car Emergency Kit
If you need to leave your home, make sure you have an emergency kit for your car. This should include the following:
- Food and water
- Blankets
- Clothes and hi-vis vests
- Flashlights
- Tools and jumper cables
- Whistle and flares to call and signal for help
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