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How to Be Prepared for Severe Springtime Weather | SERVPRO® of East Coral Springs
4/30/2019 (Permalink)
Severe Weather in Spring
Spring is here! But with spring comes whatever Mother Nature may choose to send our way regarding the weather.
With the arrival of spring comes longer days and more sunshine, but unfortunately, spring also brings with it the threat of severe weather throughout the country. During this time of year, weather can become unpredictable, which means it may change at moment’s notice.
Unstable temperatures cause a change in the weather, and those temperatures can go from warm to cold in as little as an hour. That temperature change can result in extreme weather changes as well.
Thunderstorms become increasingly common throughout the spring and are the main cause of severe weather. A thunderstorm occurs whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, which is most common in the spring and summer.
In examining natural catastrophe losses in the U.S. for 2017, it was found that severe thunderstorms were the most common and produced some of the costliest results. Out of 50 events, there were 85 fatalities and an estimated total of $25.4 billion in overall losses.
Those storms can bring the threat of flooding, high winds and even tornadoes if the conditions are right. It has been found that in modern history, 10% of all violent tornadoes have occurred in March, with April, May and June taking the top spots at 30%, 24% and 15% respectively.
We may not be able to accurately predict the weather, but forecasters do have the tools available to allow them to give us an idea of impending severe weather. Advanced warnings, along with the right preparation, can greatly improve overall safety for your family.
Here are some things you can do to your home to prepare for the chance of severe weather:
- Clear out your home’s gutters, drains and downspouts.
- Trim trees of precarious limbs or branches that could break off in a storm.
- Secure or store outdoor belongings if severe weather is in the forecast.
Having an emergency kit on hand is always advised. These kits should include the following:
- Battery-operated flashlight and NOAA weather radio, with extra batteries for both
- Emergency evacuation or shelter plans
- Important personal info, like telephone numbers of neighbors, family and friends, insurance and property info, numbers for the utility companies, and medical info
- A first-aid kit with things like non-latex gloves, adhesive bandages, tweezers, sterile gauze pads, aspirin packets, adhesive cloth tape and scissors
- 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
- Personal hygiene items
- Blankets or sleeping bag
Despite its unpredictability, there is one thing that always remains true of the spring weather season: It always happens. If your home or business is damaged in a storm, you can depend on SERVPRO® of East Coral Springs to get the cleanup and restoration process started fast.