Preparing For Severe Weather

Preparing for Severe Weather: What You Need to Know

When preparing for a severe weather event, having a comprehensive plan is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of you, your family, and your property.

For those who may be new to Arkansas, we actually have two severe weather seasons. Below you will find a comprehensive list of things we think you need to know.

1. Understanding Your Risks and Local Weather Patterns

Before we begin diving into specific preparations, it’s important to understand the various types of severe weather that we experience in Arkansas. Understanding the most common types of weather threats will help guide you in crafting a more focused and relevant emergency plan.

2. Severe Thunderstorms & Tornadoes

This by far is the most frequent type of severe weather event that we experience here in Arkansas.

Before we be begin on helping you in your preparing for severe weather, let’s cover some of the terms to help provide you some useful information.

Severe Weather Terms

• Thunderstorm Watch: This means that the conditions are favorable for the possible development of severe thunderstorms to develop in an area close to you.
• Severe Thunderstorm Warning: This is issued when the National Weather Service has determined either by radar signatures or trained weather spotters that there is a storm that has reached severe levels.
• Tornado Watch: This means that conditions are favorable for the potential development of storms that are capable of producing tornadoes. However, it is important to note: Just because a watch is issued DOES NOT mean that they will form.
• Tornado Warning: This means that either by radar signature or trained weather spotters, there is an active tornado that has been spotted.
• Tornado Emergency: This is the worse case scenario and means that an active tornado is confirmed on the ground and is doing significant damage to homes and buildings.
• Ice Storm Warning: While Arkansas isn’t known for significant snow accumulations, we are prone to significant ice storms.

3. Creating An Emergency Plan

Having a regency plan is critical for any severe weather event. It should outline clear steps and protocols that all family members can understand and follow.

• Designate a Meeting Point: In the event that family members are separated, establish a safe meeting point known to everyone.
• Emergency Contacts: Maintain a list of emergency contacts, including family members, friends, local authorities, and essential services like hospitals and emergency shelters.
• Evacuation Routes: If you must seek shelter somewhere else because staying at your current location is not feasible, make sure you are familiar with routes that will safely enable you to get to where you can find a safer place to be. Please do not wait until the last minute to do this, as you could find yourself being in immediate danger.
• Communication Plan: Plan for how you intend to communicate with your family during an emergency. Keep in mind that many networks may be disabled so calls may not go through when they are congested. Sometimes using social networks and text messages will prove more useful.

4. Building Your Emergency Supply Kit

Having an emergency kit is one of the most critical elements in preparing for any severe weather event. The kit that you develop should contain essential items that will sustain you and your family for a minimum of 24 hours. Keep in mind, if you and your family are buried in a storm shelter, it can take time for rescue crews to get to you. It is essential to keep calm and know that help will get to you.

• Water: Have clean drinking water for each person that may be in your group in your safe place.
• Food: Non-perishable food items that are easy to both store and prepare that require no refrigeration or cooking to prepare. Canned goods, granola bars, dried fruits, and nuts.
• First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, scissors, tweezers, pain relievers, and any prescription medications that you or your family members take on a daily basis.
• Flashlight and Batteries: Keep a flashlight for each family member and extra batteries. A hand-crank flashlight can also be useful.
• Battery Powered Radio: Having a way of receiving emergency alerts and updates is paramount.
• Battery Banks: Make sure you have portable power supplies for your mobile devices. Sometimes having multiple units is not a bad idea.
• Cash: Keep a small amount of cash as ATM’s or other forms of electronic payment may be inaccessible.
• Emergency Blankets: Lightweight and designed to retain body head. Sleeping bags can also be helpful.
• Clothing: Pack a change of clothes for each family member, suitable for the weather conditions and time of year. Make sure each family member has hard soled shoes on, as when you are able to come out of your shelter, you may find yourself walking across nails, glass, and other sharp objects.
• Pet Supplies: Let’s not forget about our 4 legged friends. Food, water and leash.
• Important Documents: Keep copies of personal identification, medical records, insurance policies, bank records, and any other critical documents that you may need.

5. Preparing Your Home

Your home is your first line of defense against severe weather. Taking steps to prepare it can help to reduce damage and increase your personal safety.

• Secure Windows and Doors: Make sure all windows and closed and secured. If you have drapes, make sure they are closed. This will help prevent debris from flying through.
• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Remove dead or weak branches that could fall, or be thrown into or onto your home.
• Install A Generator: A backup generator can provide electricity during power outages. Be sure to have sufficient levels of fuel on hand and know how to properly operate it. If you have ever experience a power outage weather during a severe storm or ice storm event, know that it can take some time before you regain full access to your power.

6. Staying Informed and Alert

Knowledge is power when it comes to preparing for severe weather events. Staying informed about weather conditions and potential threats is crucial. It is not meant to be a panic or worry situation, but being ahead of the game will go a long way in help to keep you and your family safe during any severe weather event.

• Sign Up for Alerts: Subscribe to local emergency alerts and weather notifications through weather apps, local tv apps, SMS, or email.
• Monitor Local News: Keep an eye on local news channels, radio stations, and weather websites.
• Download Weather Apps: Utilize apps that provide real-time updates on severe weather, such as the FEMA app, The Weather Channel app, or a local news station app.
• Know Your Warning Systems: Learn about your community’s warning systems, such as sirens, text alarms, or local radio and TV alerts.

7. Preparing Your Vehicle

If evacuation becomes necessary, your vehicle should be ready to go.

• Keep a Full Gas Tank: Always keep your gas tank at least half full, especially during severe weather seasons.
• Vehicle Emergency Kit: Include items such as a flashlight, first aid kit, blankets, water, non-perishable snacks, jumper cables,, flares, and a portable phone charger.
• Check Tires and Battery: Ensure your tires are properly inflated and your battery is in good condition.
• Know Your Evacuation Routes: Keep a map in your vehicle and know multiple evacuation routes in case of road closures.

8. Financial Preparations

Severe weather can lead to significant financial issues. Having a financial plan in place is essential.

• Insurance Review: Review your insurance policies to ensure you have adequate coverage for your home, car, belongings. Consider additional coverage for flooding or other specific risks.
• Create an Emergency Fund: Set aside money specifically for emergencies, including weather-related expenses such as hotel stays, repairs, or medical costs.
• Document Valuables: Take photos or videos of your home’s interior, including furniture, electronics, and other valuable, to help you with any insurance claims.

9. Plan for Special Needs and Vulnerable Individuals

If you have family members who are elderly disabled, or have special medical needs, additional preparations may be necessary.

• Medical Supplies: Ensure you have enough prescription medications, medical supplies, and equipment, such as oxygen tanks that have the ability of lasting one week.
• Backup Power for Medical Devices: If you use medical devices that require electricity, have a backup power source, such as a generator or battery backup.
• Transportation Assistance: Plan for transportation needs, such as a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or assistance from local authorities.
• Special Diets: Stock up on foot that meets special dietary requirements.

10. Preparing for Power Outages

Power outages are common in Arkansas during severe weather events. Being prepared for a loss of electricity can make a significant difference in comfort and safety.

• Stock Up on Batteries: Have an ample supply of batteries for flashlights, radios, and other essential devices.
• Solar Chargers: Consider investing in solar chargers for phones and small electronics.
• Unplug Electronics: To prevent damage from power surges, unplug electronics and appliances.
• Alternative Cooking Sources: Keep a camp stove or portable grill with fuel, but never use these devices indoors due to the fish of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Regrigeration: Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserved cold air. A full freezer can keep food frozen for about 48 hours.

11. Mental and Emotional Preparedness

Preparing for severe weather is not just about physical preparations. Mental and emotional readiness are also important.

• Stay Calm: Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to stay calm during stressful situations.
• Discuss with Family: Talk to your family, especially children, about the plan to reduce fear and anxiety.
• Stay Connected: Maintain communication with loved ones to provide mutual support and reassurance.

12. Post-Event Safety and Recovery

After a severe weather events, there are still important steps to take to ensure your safety and begin the recovery process.

• Assess Safety: Check for immediate dangers like downed power lines gas leaks, or structural damage.
• List for Updates: Continue listening to local news or weather alerts for updates and instructions from authorities. Don’t assume the danger has passed until you receive official confirmation.
• Document Damage: Take photos or videos of any damage to your property for. insurance purposes. Make a list of damaged items and save receipts for any repairs or replacement purchases.
• Contact Insurance: Report damages to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with the documentation you’ve collected.
• Avoid Floodwaters: DO NOT walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Floodwater can contain dangerous debris, chemicals, pathogens, and may also be electrically charged from downed power lines.
• Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and your family members for injuries. If someone is seriously hurt seek medical attention immediately. Keep in mind that medical facilities may be overwhelmed or damaged, so use caution when traveling.
• Inspect Utilities: If you suspect damage to electrical, gas, or water lines, do not attempt to fix them yourself. Contact your utility company for inspection and repairs. Until utilities are inspected, use them cautiously or not at all.
• Prevent Further Damage: If safe, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage to your property. For example, tapping a leaking roof or boarding up broken windows can prevent additional weather exposure or unauthorized entry.

13. Review and Improve Your Preparedness Plan

Once the immediate danger has passed and recovery has begun, it’s time to review and improve your preparedness plan.

• Debrief with Family: Conduct a family meeting to discuss what worked well and what didn’t. Adjust your plan accordingly.
• Replenish Supplies: Replace any items used from your emergency kit and consider adding new items that could have been useful.
• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of new emergency management practices or community resources that can help in future events.
• Evaluate Home Improvements: Assess whether any additional improvements or reinforcements to your home could provide more safety during and severe weather event.

14. Educating Yourself and Others

Knowledge is a powerful tool in any emergency. Ensuring that you and those around you understand severe weather risks and safety measures can save lives.

• Attend Workshops: Participate in local emergency preparedness workshops or webinars to learn about specific weather risks in your area and effective response strategies.
• Teach Family Members: Make sure everyone in your household knows how to use emergency equipment like fire extinguishers generators, or emergency radios.
• Share Information: Spread awareness by sharing your knowledge with friends, family, and neighbors. Consider organizing a neighborhood preparedness meeting or starting a social media group to keep everyone informed.

15. Planning for Long-Term Disruptions

While most severe weather events will resolve within a few hours or days, some disasters, such as a major tornado or widespread flooding, or a major ice storm can cause long-term disruptions.

• Consider Long-Term Food Storage: Invest in long-term storage food supplies that have a shelf life of several years. Options like freeze-dried foods, canned goods, and grains can be stored for extended periods.
• Alternative Power Solutions: Solar panels, wind turbines, or other renewable energy sources can provide longer-term solutions for power outages.
• Home Repairs and Upgrades: Consider long-term investments in home fortifications, such as storm-resistant windows, reinforced roofing materials. Elevating your home or installing flood barriers and help mitigate damage from flooding.

16. Leveraging Technology for Preparedness

Modern technology offers a wealth of tools to help you prepare for and respond to severe weather events.

• Weather Apps and Alerts: Download and use apps that provide real-time weather alerts and information. Many of these apps also include radar images, emergency contacts, and detailed forecasts.
• Smart Home Devices: Devices like smart thermostats, smart locks, and flood sensors can help monitor and manage your home’s safety during severe weather events.
• Backup Power Solutions: Portable power stations or battery backups that can be charges using solar panels or via a generator can provide power for phones, radios, or medical devices.

Conclusion

We realize that preparing for sever weather can seem a bit daunting and overwhelming, however, with a little strategy and taking time, you can have all of the things you and your family needs to ensure you are as prepared for any severe weather event that may come your way.

By understanding the risks, creating a detailed emergency plan, gathering essential supplies, preparing your home, staying informed, and planning for both short-term and long-term disruptions, you can significantly enhance your ability to weather any storm.

Remember, preparation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that should be reviewed and updated regularly. Stay safe, stay prepared, and prioritize your and your loved ones’ safety above all else.