Surefire Tips and Services for Storm Season
In Oklahoma, the weather can change faster than you can say “tornado on the ground.” One minute you can be enjoying a beautiful sunset, not a cloud in the sky, and the next, you can be taking cover from a severe storm. Our Elliott Roofing family is committed to keeping you and your family safe when storms hit and helping you recover when the dust clears.
Your roof is the first line of defense between you and a storm, but other things can protect you, as well. If and when severe storms or tornadoes happen, you should have a plan. With storm season quickly approaching, here are tips to help keep you and your family safe when dangerous weather strikes.
Be PreparedThe most important tip you can follow to stay safe during storm season is to be prepared. The best way to prepare for severe weather is to have a plan in place. Every family member living under your roof should be aware of the plan and know it by heart. If you have children, they should be able to carry out this plan regardless of whether adults are present.
Pack A Storm KitA no-brainer when it comes to prepping and planning for inclement weather is a storm kit. Every person should have one. A storm kit can not only keep you and your family safe during a storm but after one, as well. Important items for your storm kit may include:
· Food
· Water
· First-aid kit
· Map
· Cell phone charger
· Flashlight
· Radio
· Batteries
· Multi-tool
· Duct tape
· Rope
· Protective clothing
· Moist towelettes or baby wipes
· Whistle
· Important phone numbers
· Medication
· Copies of medical/insurance info
· Money
Take Shelter
If bad weather hits, taking shelter is a key step. Taking shelter in your home provides many potential options to ensure you and your loved ones’ safety. Here are your best bets for finding shelter from a storm.
Underground Storm Shelter:
The best place to be during a storm or tornado is entirely underground. So if you’re fortunate enough to have a storm shelter that’s underground, you should use it. If you do, be absolutely sure that the door to your shelter is completely fastened.
Basement: Basements are generally a good option for seeking shelter during a storm. For the most part, they are completely underground, making them a prime spot for protection. However, in some cases, basements aren’t fully below ground level. If your basement isn’t, be sure to stay away from any windows or doors. Also, objects in your house can fall from above. So avoid huddling directly underneath any areas that large objects occupy on the level above your basement.
Outdoor Storm Shelter: The biggest threats to your safety, if your storm shelter is located outside your home, are the weather and flying debris you can encounter while moving from your home to your shelter. As stated before, be prepared and have a plan. This will give you a head start on making it outside to your shelter before severe weather hits. In doing so, you can avoid subjecting you and your family to these dangerous storm elements.
Alternative Shelter: If you don’t have a storm shelter or basement, there are still viable options in your home to seek shelter and protection from a storm. Stay as far away as you can from any windows or outside doors wherever you find refuge. You should also try to avoid sheltering yourself in large rooms. Find the smallest room you can. Alternative shelter areas include:
· Closets
· Bathrooms
· Hallways
· Underneath Stairs
Stay Low
Once you’ve found shelter, staying down is the next part of the process. The lower you can get, the safer you are. It’s best if you can get entirely underground. If you can’t, then make sure you’re as close to the ground as possible.
Cover Up
Flying debris causes the majority of injuries and deaths from severe storms and tornadoes. That’s why putting as many barriers as possible between you and the weather is so crucial. Even though you may think you’re safe inside your home, flying glass and other objects, both big and small, can penetrate your house during a storm, putting you and your family at risk. If possible, it’s a good idea to shield yourself underneath stairwells or behind or underneath large, sturdy pieces of furniture. Other items you can use for cover during storms include:
· Sleeping bags
· Blankets
· Pillows
· Coats
· Helmets
During storm season, the breathtaking Oklahoma sky can put you and your loved ones in harm’s way at any moment. Our Elliott Roofing team hopes that these tips will be useful as you prep and plan to keep you and your family safe and that our services can help you recover from whatever the spring and summer storms will bring. If you’re looking for info on how to keep the furry members of your family safe, be sure to check out Ellie's blog for tips on storm season safety for your pets.
And if your home experiences any roof damage this storm season, no matter the size or severity, we’ll be there to help. If you have any questions regarding storm damage, re-roofing, roof repair or want to schedule a free estimate or inspection, give us a call – we would love to lend you a helping hand.