How to Prepare for Summer Weather Events

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

While the weather may be wild, you are not powerless. This summer, prepare for hazards with these simple steps:

• Do you live in a hurricane evacuation zone? If so, you need to plan where you and your family would ride out the storm if you are told to evacuate.
  
  
• You may have only minutes to find shelter before a tornado strikes. Practice a family tornado drill at least once a year.
  
  
• Protect yourself from extreme heat by rescheduling outdoor activities to earlier in the day.
  
  
• There is no safe place outside when lightning is in the area. If you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance of the storm. Just remember, When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors.
  
  
• Stay safe from rip currents and other beach hazards by only swimming at a beach with lifeguards and heed their direction. Learn how to survive a rip current.
  
  
• If you live near wildland areas, make sure your home is Firewise and fire-safe. Also, determine evacuation routes from your home. Visit weather.gov or the Fire Weather Outlook to determine if your area is at risk for dangerous fire weather conditions.
  
  
• Whether on foot or in a car, if you encounter floodwaters, turn around, don’t drown!
  
  
• Make sure to check the Air Quality Index for your area at http://airnow.gov. If the air quality is poor, avoid prolonged or extreme exertion outdoors.
  
  
• Do you live, work, or play on the coast?

Be a Force of Nature

Your action can inspire others. Be a force of nature, and share how you’re working to stay safe from weather and water hazards this summer.

• Write a post on Facebook. Share with your friends and family the preparedness steps you’re taking to stay safe this summer.
  
  
• Tweet that you’re prepared with #SummerSafety. Tell us what you’re doing to be prepared for summer hazards.
  
  
• Create a Family Communication Plan so that your loved ones know how to get in touch during an emergency. And let your friends know that they should create a plan also.
  
  
• Look for ways to help your town prepare, such as volunteering with the American Red Cross or joining a Community Emergency Response Team.

Our Disaster Recovery Team can provide help when disaster strikes in the form of a tornado, hurricane, or flood. SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville is prepared to respond to the unpredictable 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.