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Storm Planning to Avoid Fears | SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties
5/15/2024 (Permalink)
When the storm has passed, call SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties to help you recover.
Dark skies, booming thunder, anxious dogs and nervous kids—these are all a recipe for disaster. When storms are moving in, your home can easily fall into chaos. It can be hard to know what to do and when to do it.
We all know that Alabama weather can be pretty volatile. Strong thunderstorms, tornadoes and heavy rains are possible year-round. Even our winters can come with some high winds and the occasional freeze. There isn’t a lot we can do about the weather, but we can take steps to prepare ourselves so that we respond in the best way possible to every storm.
Making a plan and gathering supplies with your family won’t just ensure you are ready when a thunderstorm or worse pops up, it can also help ease fears.
Spending a nice day outside watching the clouds go by is a wonderful pastime for all ages, but it can also be a great way to talk to your kids about weather safety. Spend some time telling them what storm clouds might look like, and how the sky could get dark or even green-tinted. Make sure they understand that if clouds are starting to spin it is time to get inside quickly.
Talk about thunder and sirens, too, so that your kids can respond appropriately when they hear signs that a storm is headed your way. Many of us live near a tornado siren, but you need to make sure your kids know what they sound like. The next time one is tested, make it a game with the kids and see who can identify the siren and safely move to a secure location the fastest.
Once you have spent some time with the kids talking about how storms look and sounds, start putting together an emergency plan. This should include where to go during a storm and what to take with you.
A room on the lowest level of your home that doesn’t have windows is ideal for riding out thunderstorm warnings and tornadoes in. Walk the kids to that spot in your home, and let them spend some time playing there if possible. Depending on where your space is, you might also consider letting them leave some pillows, blankets, stuffed animals or other comfort items there to make the room feel as cozy as possible.
Make an emergency kit with your kids as well, and keep it stored near your safe place. Include some forever items in the kit like batteries, first-aid supplies and candles. When a storm is predicted, you can add in water, prescription medications and some family favorite snacks.
Gifting your kiddos with a flashlight of their own can also be a fun way to keep your kids safe. Let them keep it near their bed and every few months have a flashlight party where they guide themselves to your safe location using just their flashlight. Once in the space, play some card games by flashlight as another way to feel comfortable riding out a storm.
Fear and severe weather can sometimes go hand in hand for people of all ages, but children are especially susceptible to becoming nervous during storms. Help them feel safe by reassuring them that the likelihood for extreme damage to your home is pretty low. Most houses are only left with roof, siding and yard damage during severe storms.
The most important part of preparing for bad weather is remaining calm. With a plan and the right supplies ready to go, you can keep the fears at bay and ride out any storm with confidence.
Storm damage should always be addressed quickly. Contact SERVPRO® day or night for the restoration services you need.