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4/13/2021 (Permalink)

Increased Threats of Severe Weather

If we stop and take a look at natural catastrophe losses in the U.S. for 2017, severe thunderstorms were the most common cause and produced some of the costliest results. Out of 50 events, there were 85 fatalities and an estimated total of $25.4 billion in overall losses.

With these storms, we have the threat of flooding, high winds and even tornadoes if the conditions are right. It has been found that in modern history, 10% of all violent tornadoes have occurred in March, with April, May and June taking the top spots at 30%, 24% and 15% respectively.

Prepare Your Family for the Unexpected Weather

While weather forecasters may not be able to predict the weather with 100% accuracy, they do have the tools available to forewarn us of impending severe weather. Advanced warnings, along with the right preparation, can greatly improve overall safety for your family.

Take a look at some of the things you can do to your home to prepare for the chance of severe weather:

1. Clear out your home’s gutters, drains and downspouts.
2. Trim trees of precarious limbs or branches that could break off in a storm.
3. Secure or store outdoor belongings if severe weather is in the forecast.

Having an emergency kit on hand is always advised. These kits should include the following:

• Battery-operated flashlight and NOAA weather radio, with extra batteries for both
• Emergency evacuation or shelter plans
• Important personal info, like telephone numbers of neighbors, family and friends, insurance and property info, numbers for the utility companies, and medical info
• A first-aid kit with things like non-latex gloves, adhesive bandages, tweezers, sterile gauze pads, aspirin packets, adhesive cloth tape and scissors
• 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets or sleeping bag

Despite its unpredictability, there is one thing that always remains true of the spring weather season: It always happens. If your home or business is damaged in a storm, you can depend on SERVPRO® of San Gabriel to get the cleanup and restoration process started fast.