Storm Safety 101

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Safety 101

Severe weather and storms can happen anytime of the year.  Did you know that approximately 98% of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related?  Severe weather leads to around 500 deaths per year and almost $15 billion in damage.  Each year in the United States we have over:

10,000 severe thunderstorms

5,000 floods or flash floods

1,000 tornadoes

2 deadly hurricanes that make landfall

Knowing your risk of severe weather and taking a few simple steps of action can help save your life and possibly the lives of others.

Know Your Risk: The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of severe weather that typically affects the area where you live and work and how this could impact you, your business and your family.  Check your local forecast regularly, obtain a NOAA Weather Radio and learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts.  Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.

Take Action: Take the next step by creating a communications plan for your home and business.  Put together an Emergency Kit.  Keep important papers, valuables and medications in a safe place.

Tell Others: Once you have prepared your home and business, share your story with co-workers, neighbors, family and friends on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  Your preparedness story will inspire others to do the same.