Severe Weather In The South...

This week has seen some of the deadliest storms to hit the south in years, with 215 confirmed dead, mostly across Alabama and Georgia, and millions of dollars in damage.  The fallout from these events will be long lasting, no doubt taking years from which to fully recover.

The importance of proper planning for severe weather cannot be underestimated and the time to do it is now, while there isn’t a cloud in the sky and everything is relatively calm.  You should make plans for how you are going to react when the emergency broadcast sounds. 

In a worst case scenario, you should have an evacuation route planned, and be prepared to use it.   If the call comes down to evacuate, don’t wait.  Go.  When it comes to severe weather on the order of what we saw this week, you may only have a matter of minutes to save your life.

If you must take shelter in your home, know where you are going to go.  If you have a basement, that’s the place.  Take cover and make sure you have blankets, bottled water,  a portable radio or TV to keep track of changing  weather conditions, as well as a first aid kit and coloring books or toys to keep small children occupied (not to mention distracted).

If you don’t have a basement in which to cower, then choose the innermost room in your home, preferably an area without windows.  If all else fails, go to the bathroom and get in the tub, covering your head with a shower curtain.  I realize there is little dignity to be found in this but it beats the alternative. 

You can also prepare for severe weather ahead of time by installing hurricane straps on your roof to protect against damage caused by high winds, as well as storm shutters to prevent your windows from being broken by flying debris. 

You would also do well to shut off utilities to your home for the duration of the storm.  Water and electricity do not mix, and even a spark may ignite any leaking gas.

And finally (and obviously) know who you are going to call after the storm has passed.  Remember that water damage can cause as much or more damage to a home than fire, and will continue doing so until it is treated.  Look for a qualified, professional, IICRC certified water damage restoration company.  They should be available 24/7, and offer a full range of restoration services, from water extraction, to drying, to carpet cleaning, to mold removal.  Even structural repair, reconstruction and restoration. 

Call them today for peace of mind tomorrow.