Severe Weather Tips to Help You Stay Safe

At any time of the year, severe weather can strike. It may be earthquakes in California, hurricanes in the Gulf States, flooding in the Midwest or severe thunderstorms and high winds up and down the east coast. In any of these cases, one way to stay safe is to be prepared. Here are some tips to stay safe during severe weather.

The thing about storms is that today the weather will be sunny with a high in the 80s and tomorrow, the bottom can drop out of the sky and there will be flooding. It is best to stay prepared from day one if there is a chance any type of severe weather will hit your area.

1. Keep batteries and flashlights on hand. Candles are a backup only. They work but can tip over or are blown over by a strong wind and start a fire. Stock all sizes of batteries and have enough flashlights for each member of your household to keep one with them.

2. Have fresh water on hand. I know those plastic bottles aren't exactly eco friendly so opt for gallon jugs of drinking water. You never know when flooding may occur and contaminate the water table. Store them in a cool dry place. The empty jugs can be recycled for school projects or as planters for flowers.

3. Keep a battery-operated radio nearby. If the power goes out, you'll need a way to get updates on the weather conditions. Charge up all cellular phones in case you can catch a signal and call family members to check on their status.

4. Fill your cars with gas. There could come a time when you need to evacuate in the case of an earthquake, tornado, or hurricane. An emergency is not the time to look for a gas station.

5. Create an emergency preparedness kit for severe weather. Include water, blankets, dry clothes, flares, matches, canned food, a can opener, a first aid kit, and other essentials. Refill all prescription medications if severe weather is in the forecast. No one wants to be caught without their insulin or inhalers.

6. Practice what you will do in case of severe weather. Kids especially will be nervous during any type of disaster evacuation. Prepare them in advance of the weather by conducting drills. These are more for people living in areas frequented by severe weather, but everyone will benefit from creating a disaster plan and sharing it with all members of the family. Include a plan to deal with the various types of severe weather prone to your area.

7. Have cash on hand. It is a possibility that ATM machines will be inaccessible and you'll need money.

8. Use common sense. Don't travel if severe weather is in the forecast. Get supplies from the store ahead of the mob that will go once the weather turns bad. You can't beat Mother Nature so don't even try. Respect her and your chances of survival will be greater.

Don't let severe weather catch you off guard. Be prepared ahead of time by following these few tips above.