Safety While Weathering the Storm
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Safety While Weathering the Storm
When a storm hits, you want to be ready for it. While there are many different aspects of emergency preparedness, many of them revolve around safety concerns. After all, storms can happen with little to no notice, so it’s extremely important to be as prepared as possible. Country Lawn and Garden is here to help! We’ve created this guide with everything you need to know about preparing for a storm as well as remaining safe during and after it. Keep reading to learn more. If you have questions or you need to invest in a generator or other equipment to increase your preparedness, stop by and see us in Galveston, IN.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
As you might’ve guessed, the first step in being ready for an emergency is having the necessary tools. You can start by preparing an emergency kit that has everything you need in one place. Some items you should consider including in your kit are battery-powered items, such as flashlights and a weather radio, a wrench and pliers for turning off utilities, a cell phone and a portable charger, and a first-aid kit. You’ll also want easy access to gasoline for your vehicle and your generator. Keep fresh gas in a cool location that is properly ventilated. Some other key items include cash, important documents, drinking water, and non-perishable foods. When it comes to water, you should make sure you have one gallon of water available per day for each person. This includes both drinking and sanitation uses.
During the Storm
If you’ve been informed that a storm is headed your way and you’ve decided to stay put rather than evacuate, there are some helpful tips you’ll want to follow. First and foremost, you’ll need to protect your power source. It should come as no surprise that FEMA considers a reliable backup generator to be an essential component of any emergency preparedness kit. When it comes to a portable generator, you’ll need to take it out of storage and top off the fuel so you can make sure it’s functioning properly before the storm hits. Always confirm that you have enough fuel on reserve so that you’ll be able to use your generator for several days if necessary. As for home standby generators, you’ll want to confirm your unit is up to date with its maintenance kits
You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your power source is in good condition and will be able to keep you connected in the event of a storm outage. This will also allow you to focus on other precautions. Everyone in the home should stay indoors while the storm is still active. The best place to stay during a storm is in an interior room without windows or doors. Even when properly boarded, harsh winds are strong enough to send objects hurling into windows and doors.
After the Storm
Once the storm has passed, it’s easy to think you’re in the clear. However, don’t forget that there is still danger lurking around you. For instance, you should only use your generator when outdoors to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Once your power is restored, you’ll need to go through your refrigerator and determine what’s safe to eat and what needs to be thrown out. Typically, any food exposed to temperatures above 40°F for more than two hours should be thrown out. You should take the time to assess any damage to your home and take pictures of it. You should be wearing protective clothing and booths when inspecting the damage to avoid injuries from debris or other harmful objects. If there is any major damage, contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
Finally, remember to check on your neighbors and make sure that everyone is safe. When it’s deemed safe to do so, you can begin plugging your appliances and electronics in to confirm they’re working correctly. For all of your emergency preparedness needs, contact us at Country Lawn and Garden. We’d be happy to help you find the perfect generator for your home. Give us a call or stop by and see us today! We’re located in Galveston, IN, and proudly serve the Logansport, Kokomo and Peru areas.