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Getting Ready for Spring Thunderstorms | SERVPRO® of Llano Grande
4/29/2024 (Permalink)
We have made it to spring! Now we can enjoy the weather spring brings, but we must also be prepared for quick changes in the weather that also go along with the season.
With the arrival of spring, days become longer and sunshine more abundant, but unfortunately, spring also brings with it the threat of severe weather throughout the country. It’s dealer’s choice this time of year, which means the weather may change at moment’s notice.
Unstable temperatures cause changes in the weather, making it go from warm to cold even in the same day. That temperature change can create extreme weather changes as well.
Thunderstorms are more abundant throughout the spring and are the main cause of severe weather. A thunderstorm can occur whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, which is most common in the spring and summer.
In studying natural catastrophe losses in the U.S. for 2017, 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.
These storms bring the threat of flooding, high winds and 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.
Forecasters have the technology to give us an idea that severe weather is possible, but are still not able to predict the weather with 100% accuracy. These advance 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.
It is always advisable to have an emergency kit on hand, and they 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 Llano Grande to get the cleanup and restoration process started fast.