Storm Preparedness: Are You Too Late?
Being prepared for a storm should be a constant — not something that is done on the spur of the moment. In Texas, spring storms can come out of nowhere, bringing damaging elements ranging from hail and lightning to strong winds and tornados.
And, depending on what part of the state you live in, winter storms can sometimes be a factor — as can hurricanes and flooding.
Waiting until the storm sirens are sounding to create a plan is far too late; you need to know what you’ll do whether you are at work, home, or in your car. Keeping water, a change of clothes, and a small supply of food in your car can be a lifesaver if a storm prevents you from going home; it’s also smart to always keep your car’s gas tank at least half-full in case gas stations lose power.
If the creeks should rise …
Storm preparedness means having supplies on hand — and knowing what to do before, during, and after an emergency.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this begins with making sure all your important documents — such as personal and financial records — are stored securely in a cloud so you can access them from anywhere. (Another option is to keep that information on a USB flash drive that is kept in your waterproof emergency kit. But make sure that it is readily available — and that it can’t be found by a third party.)
One of those documents should include the names and numbers of your important contacts, including:
- Doctor
- Pharmacist
- Veterinarian/kennel
- Date of birth and Social Security numbers for all family members
Programming your power company’s information into your phone will let you contact them easily to report power outages or damage. You’ll also want to make sure you have the number of an emergency contact — listed under ICE (In Case of Emergency) — programmed into your phone as well.
Your storm preparedness plan should include all your family members — and each person needs to know what to do. Create a meeting place where your family will gather if a catastrophe keeps you from entering your home as voice or text communications may be lost, so you’ll need to know where to find one another.
Stocking up
The rush to the grocery store that often accompanies the announcement of a big storm can be avoided through proper preparedness. Make sure you keep at least a three-day supply of emergency food (non-perishable) and several gallons of water at all times — check expiration dates occasionally and rotate out as needed.
Other supplies that should always be on hand include extra batteries for flashlights — and consider buying a solar-powered charger for phones, laptops, etc.
Study what types of storms are common for your area, and educate yourself on how to best protect your family and your property. And make sure your insurance agent’s phone number is programmed into your phone so you can report any damage that occurs to your home or automobile.