What YOU Can Do to Prepare for a Storm Emergency

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

Have Storm, Flood, Water, or Fire Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today (608) 497-3331 www.SERVPROdanecountywest.com

Tips for Preparing for Storm Emergencies

While it may be challenging to prepare for unpredictable thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flooding, there are steps you can take now to help ensure you are ready if disaster strikes. Consider the following tips when preparing for an approaching storm.

BEFORE THE STORM

• Build an emergency supply kit that includes the following recommended items from the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio, preferably an NOAA Weather Radio.
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing
• Dust masks or bandannas
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags, and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Hygiene items
• Relevant documents; copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account information
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Be alert for environmental or fire hazards around your property.
• Every adult in your house should know who to turn off electricity, water, and gas in an emergency.
• Unplug any electronic equipment before the storm arrives.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause structural damage.
• If you are outdoors, get inside a building, home, or hard top vehicle (not a convertible).
• If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains and secure doors.

DURING THE STORM

During a disaster, it may be impossible for family members to return home. Have a plan for your family. Agree where to meet and what family members or friends to notify. Select a meeting point in the community where the members of your household know to come together.

• Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
• Avoid contact with corded phones. Cordless and cellular phones are safe to use.
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment and cords.
• Unplug appliances and other electrical items, such as computers. Power surges from lightning can cause severe damage.
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Stay away from windows and doors.

AFTER THE STORM

Even after an event, there may still be many dangers. What seems like a safe distance or location may not be. Stay tuned to your local emergency station and follow the advice of trained professionals. Unless told to evacuate, stay off the roads to allow emergency vehicles access. What you do next can save your life and the lives of others.

• Keep children and pets indoors. Dangers (live wires, flooded viaducts, and pollution) can remain after the immediate emergency ends.
• Never drive through a flooded roadway.
• Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk.
• Stay away from downed power lines and always assume that fallen power lines potentially active. Stay away from the area and report any downed lines to authorities immediately.
• Locate a flashlight with batteries to use until the power comes back on. Do not use candles: this can cause a fire.
• Do not use the stove to heat your home: this can cause a fire or fatal gas leak.
• Remain calm, and assist family members or neighbors who may be vulnerable if exposed to extreme heat or cold.

When fire or water damage puts things that matter the most on the line, you need the very best help on the line as well. We at SERVPRO of Dane County West are available 24/7 for emergency services like basement floods after a severe storm, clean up and rebuild, or fire restoration from lightning and many other storm-related causes.  

We are here to help and have the storm damage restoration experience and specialized equipment to restore your Dane County, WI area home or business back to its pre-storm condition.

Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration

Video - Why Choose SERVPRO of Dane County West

Have Storm, Flood, or Fire Damage?

Call SERVPR of Dane County West Today (608) 497-3331

Sources: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, NOAA/National Weather Service