I had the opportunity to ask Forensic Meteorologist Mark McGinnis some questions about severe weather and how to be prepared.
He has some great tips, and while some may seem like common sense, they are all great reminders of how to be prepared for when severe weather hits:
1. Get a NOAA weather radio with a battery backup.
2. Get a weather kit-extra phone chargers, batteries, water, blankets
3. Keep your gutters clean and check windows to make sure they are properly sealed.
4. If you know strong winds are coming, and you have time, pick up all small and medium objects outside, as they can be picked up by the wind.
5. Don’t outrun a storm in your car, but if you can get into a sturdy building, do it.
6. If you don’t have a basement, find an interior room without any windows.
7. Get a backup generator for outside and keep it at least 15 feet away from the house.
8. Seal the cinder block of your basement walls to prevent seepage.
9. Educate your children and give them some responsibility when severe weather hits. Practice a drill.
10. Make sure you have proper home insurance coverage.
11. Prepare now, when the weather is not severe.
12. If you plan to stay in your home when severe weather hits, gas up your cars, have enough food and water for 3 days, and have cash on hand.
Check out the following websites for more tips and checklists to be prepared for severe weather.
Author: Julie McKeeman
Julie is first and foremost a mom of two amazing kiddos, Elliott and Bennett. She is an elementary school librarian whose passion is to create safe spaces for all children.
Julie is first and foremost a mom of two amazing kiddos, Elliott and Bennett. She is an elementary school librarian whose passion is to create safe spaces for all children.