Summer Storms

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy thunderstorms and potential tornadoes are always a threat to our area during the summer months. There are different types of disasters that can arise from these storms. Examples are flooding and power outages. Both cause potential safety hazards.

 Always be aware of large damaging storms that are possible in your area and prepared for the aftermath. Flooding can cause power outages. Power outages may even cause flooding in some areas and homes. If your home is equipped with a sump pump, make sure that you have a battery backup system. Make sure that the battery backup is operational and maintained regularly.

   An emergency kit is good to keep on hand in case of power outages, heavy flooding as well as other natural disasters that may strike at any time. At ready.gov/kit you can find an extensive breakdown of items recommended to have ready at any given time. Below is a summary list to get your kits started or up to date.

• Water(one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food(at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps (to help find safe emergency routes)
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery (for emergency contacts)

Once your kit is assembled or updated, you must remember to maintain it.

• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
• Store boxed food in a tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
• Replace expired items as needed.
• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Keep your emergency kit in a designated place where you have easy access to it, and are ready to go in a hurry. For more information, the above-hyperlinked word will lead you to ready.gov designated sites to help in preparing your family for any emergency or disaster that mother nature can cause.