How to Prepare for Spring Storms

The combination of thunderstorms and flooding is a spring-up recipe for disaster. If early storms come down while the snow on the floor has not melted yet, or when the ground is still frozen, the prospect of devastating floods increases. And since the weather is so inconsistent in spring, it’s vital to get ready for it ahead of time. Follow these spring storm preparedness tips to protect yourself, your Loved Ones, and your property from severe spring weather: 

Spring Storm Preparedness Tips

Before a Storm

  • Produce a disaster preparedness strategy. Establish an outdoor meeting place and escape routes from every room in your home. Also, practice the strategy with family members. Include your pets in the design and make sure that they wear an ID tag.
  • Get flood insurance, which isn’t contained in standard homeowners policies. Don’t wait — flood insurance policies require 30 days to go into effect.
  • Make a home inventory in the event you need to file an insurance claim. Additionally, secure vital information, like documents, personal numbers, and insurance policies.
  • Make sure your home is in great shape to withstand powerful storms. Tighten your roof shingles and waterproof your basement windows, and doors.
  • Prune the loose branches and remove the dead plant in your yard.
  • Keep gutters and drains clean to ensure proper drainage. Ensure gutters are closely attached to your house to guard them against powerful winds.

Emergency Kit

  • A battery-powered flashlight and radio with spare batteries, along with 2 or 1 external battery for cell phones, etc.
  • A “crank apparatus” that generates current to power up cell phones may be used as a flashlight, etc.
  • Prescription drugs, if necessary.

During a Storm

  • When a storm is imminent, deliver the valuables in your yard inside and proceed all vehicles and equipment to a large floor.
  • Do not walk through moving water. Only a couple of inches of rapidly moving water can sweep you off your feet.
  • If you’re out, get to high ground and prevent low lying areas that are most likely to flood.
  • Don’t drive through floodwater even if you have a large van. Two feet of moving water are enough to take it off.
  • If you’re indoors, be sure that the windows and doors are securely shut. Keep away from windows to prevent the risk of being struck by the glass. Take shelter in your basement if the storm is intense.
  • Avoid using utilities and wired electrical equipment.
  • Stay up to date on weather conditions and listen to local authorities if they tell you to evacuate your home.

After a Storm

  • Make sure everyone is OK and check for damage to your home. Be aware of possible dangers.
  • If you suspect damage to utilities, then call local authorities and wait for their acceptance to turn them back on.
  • If your home has been flooded:
    • Prevent contact with floodwater, which is quite likely contaminated.
    • Make lists of those lost or damaged items, and shoot photos.
    • File the flood insurance claim.
  • All flood water is considered contaminated. Thus, if you have water damage, any absorbent materials which are contaminated ought to be removed and discarded (carpeting, rugs, upholstered furniture, etc.).
  • Water damage must be remediated correctly and quickly. Otherwise, it will lead to mold contamination, and which introduces another host of issues and issues.
  • If you suspect harm to electrical or gas lines, then call to get a professional inspection before using them.
  • Hire expert damage restoration companies, for example, PuroClean, to get your home back to be able safely and economically.

Bear in mind, spring does not wait for you to get ready, therefore make a spring storm preparedness strategy today before a thunderstorm or flooding strikes your region. Call the PuroClean experts, who can ascertain the complete extent of the damage and perform full restoration solutions following industry standards and best practices. Visit puroclean.com for more information.