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Avoiding Fear of Storms With Simple Planning | SERVPRO® of East Brownsville & South Padre Island
6/4/2024 (Permalink)
You see the black clouds rolling in and have heard the forecast—storms are headed your way. As the dogs pace and your nerves start to rise, it can be hard to keep your calm as you decide what to do first.
Since our Texas weather can bring anything from hurricanes with coastal floods to severe thunderstorms that even stir up in the winter, it is important to do everything we can to react to any kind of storm appropriately.
With some simple planning, you can ensure your entire family knows what to do when severe weather is headed your way.
There is nothing quite as fun and relaxing as looking into the clouds with your kiddos and naming all the shapes you see. Take an afternoon to do just that, but talk about what storm clouds look like as well. Talk about how they can be dark blues, blacks or even green in color, and how they can look like a shelf or a big swirl in the sky. Let the kids know that if they see these clouds it is time to find a safe place to stay.
Along with telling them about the signs of storms they may visibly see, talk about the sounds they may hear. They need to know how to recognize even a distant rumble of thunder, as well as warning sirens that your home may be close enough to hear. Find out the next time there will be a test of weather sirens, and make sure your kids can listen. You can also let them hear what a weather radio warning sounds like if you have one.
Along with helping them understand the sights and sounds of storms, you need to create a family weather emergency plan. Spend some time talking about where you would go in different scenarios. Show your kids the safest place to ride out thunderstorms and tornadoes, and walk them through what your family would do if an evacuation order is issued during a hurricane.
Brush up on your blanket fort skills and build a shelter to practice huddling together. Along with getting comfortable in a low space during storms, make sure your kids understand where to go if flood waters start to enter your home.
You likely already have an emergency kit for hurricane season, but make sure you update it regularly. Familiarize your kids with it, and let them add some personal items. Kids love flashlights, so let them find a special one to call their own and make sure you have plenty of batteries. Add their favorite shelf-stable snack and plenty of water to your kit as well.
Because our storms can knock power out for a long time, it is ideal to keep plenty of candles, first-aid supplies and some non-electronic toys in your kit. A card game that everyone can be distracted by is a great way to pass them time while you wait for the all-clear.
Fear and anxiety are common when it comes to storms, especially with the volatile weather we can experience here in Texas. Talk to your kids about the solid facts around severe weather, and make sure they understand that extreme damages aren’t always likely. Most homes will only see roof, siding and yard issues during a weather event.
The more you can encourage yourself and the rest of your family to remain calm, the safer everyone will stay in every storm that heads our way. Make a plan, and stick to it. When everyone knows what to do, you can all face severe weather with confidence.
Storm damage should always be addressed quickly. Contact SERVPRO® day or night for the restoration services you need.