24/7 Emergency Service
Why You Should Create an Emergency Plan | SERVPRO® of Spring Valley/Jamul
5/20/2022 (Permalink)
When the weather turns severe, it can get scary quickly. Thunderstorms often include lightning strikes, hail, intense rain and strong winds that can leave behind a trail of destruction. The United States can see around 100,000 thunderstorms a year, making these frequent events something we should all pay attention to.
Our gentle climate and comfortable temperatures may mean that we are able to spend most days outdoors, but it does not make us exempt from severe storms, even if they are not a common occurrence. Rare storms mean that we should stay more prepared so that we are not completely caught off-guard. Creating a plan with a communication strategy and an emergency kit can ensure your family’s safety when the weather turns rough.
The first step in creating an effective emergency plan is having a communication strategy that works. Understanding the difference between a watch and a warning and receiving those warnings in a timely fashion is essential so that you can move to safety at the appropriate times.
You should have several sources of emergency communication such as a weather radio and a cell phone so that you can receive alerts in more than one way. Always stay prepared for a wi-fi outage or power outage by charging your equipment prior to the storm.
As you receive those alerts, ensure you have a strategy for communicating with your family. Have a space in your home designated as a safe space (typically a basement or bathroom) and make sure even the youngest in your house understands where it is.
You should also think about how you will communicate with anyone who may not be home during the storm. Your communication plan should be thorough enough so that everyone can be accounted for.
In your safe space, you should keep an emergency kit with essentials for your household. Plan for 72 hours worth of nonperishable food items and water in the event that you need to stay put during and after a storm.
You should also include flashlights, batteries and first-aid supplies, as well as some comfort items you can use to keep your family calm and comfortable.
Once the storm is over, you need to be prepared for everything that comes next. As soon as it is safe, you should assess your property for damages.
Keep a close eye on your roof, windows and doors. These areas are at a high risk for moisture intrusion and you will want to ensure their seals are intact and mitigate any water that may have come in.
If you do come across damage on your property, make SERVPRO of Spring Valley/Jamul your first phone call. Having a team of professionals in your own backyard should give you peace of mind that your restoration can be started faster.
Once your cleanup has begun and the storm is long gone, talk with your family about your emergency plan. What worked and did not work? Did you have the right supplies and enough of them in your kit? Was everyone home or not home able to check in with each other?
Continually readdressing and practicing your plan will keep your family safe and prepared for the next storm that rolls in.
If you discover storm damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO to handle the restoration. We’re here 24⁄7 to spring into action—get in touch with us today.