24/7 Emergency ServiceTake the Fear Out of Storms With a Plan | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/15/2024 (Permalink)
When the storm has passed, call SERVPRO of Tri-County to help you recover.
As thunder begins to rumble outside, the inside of your home could quickly become pretty chaotic. Dogs barking, kids asking a million questions and clinging to your side—it can all leave you wondering how you are going to safely navigate the oncoming storm.
Thunderstorms are a common occurrence here in Georgia, and it can stir up any time of the year. It also isn’t uncommon to see heavy rains, flash floods and tornadoes. We may not be able to control the weather—or even really predict what exactly it is going to do—but we can control how we respond to it.
With a plan and some basic knowledge, we can get through any storm comfortably and safely.
Is there anything better than spending time staring at the clouds? Take the kids outside for some cloud gazing, and while you find all sorts of shapes, talk with them about what an oncoming storm might look like. Help them understand that things can get dark, or they can have a greenish tint. Make sure they also know that swirling clouds mean it is time to find shelter.
While you talk about the sights of a storm, consider going over some of the sounds they may hear as well. Lightning can strike before or after a storm has moved into your area, so any time thunder is heard, it should prompt your kiddos to head indoors.
If you live close enough to a tornado siren, make sure everyone in your home can identify the sound. Play weather alerts for them on your phone and weather radio as well, and let them know these sounds will always mean it is time to get to a safe place.
Once your family feels a little more familiar with what storms can look and sound like, work together to create an emergency plan. Your plan should include where to go and what supplies you will need any time a weather alert is issued.
Find a room on the lowest level of your home that is interior—something without windows is ideal. Show the kids where this space is, and let them spend some time getting comfortable hanging out there. Build a fort as a family and practice huddling together, maybe even playing a game by flashlight.
Put together an emergency kit that you can keep somewhere close to the space as well. This kit should include some items that stay in it permanently, like first-aid supplies, batteries, candles and flashlights. When storms are predicted, add in water, prescription medications and some seasonally appropriate shoes.
Let the kids help personalize your kit by choosing their favorite shelf-stable snacks to include. Give them their own flashlights that they can keep with them. Every once in a while, play flashlight hide and seek to help them learn to navigate your home in the dark.
Adding some card games, stuffed animals and other comfort items can also be a helpful way to get through storms. The more you can keep everyone calm, the easier riding out a warning together will be.
Keep in mind that weather-related anxiety is common in people of all ages, but can be especially challenging for children. Make emergency planning fun and lighthearted to help avoid fears.
It is also helpful for everyone to understand that the risk of extreme damage is generally pretty low. Most homes will only suffer damage to the yard, roof and siding.
Learn about storms, make a plan and prepare your supplies. When you are ready to face severe weather, your whole family will feel calm and empowered to get through anything.
Storm damage should always be addressed quickly. Contact SERVPRO® day or night for the restoration services you need.