Summer weather can bring sunny days with ideal conditions, allowing you to spend time enjoying the outdoors. But in many areas, summer also brings severe storms. If you live in an area that gets inclement weather during the summer, you may have experienced power outages, damage to your home or other storm-related issues. While you can’t control the weather, there are some steps you can take to prepare your yourself for violent summer storms.
Be ready for power outages
It’s not uncommon for severe storms to knock out your power for hours or even days. While power outages in the summer may not be as bad as those in wintertime when you have to worry about cold temperatures inside your home, they can still cause a lot of problems. If you live in an area where power outages are frequent, it may be wise to look into purchasing a generator. They can be used in times of emergency to keep your refrigerator and other essential appliances running. For those with rare outages, be prepared with flashlights, extra batteries, lanterns and some shelf-stable food along with a manual can opener.
Know what to do in extreme weather
Tornadoes and hurricanes can be dangerous. You may be required to evacuate your home, so it’s important to be prepared with an evacuation route and to keep a bag packed with essential papers and other items to get your family through a few days away from home. If you live in an area with these types of extreme weather, it’s smart to invest in a battery-powered radio so you can stay updated with weather information.
Outdoor preparation musts
High winds in summer storms can bring down limbs and entire trees on your property, destroying structures and endangering people. You may want to have a tree expert evaluate the trees around your home to see if some should be trimmed or removed. It’s also helpful to have a plan in place to secure outdoor furniture and other heavy items to prevent them from damaging your home or surrounding homes in high winds.
Many people look forward to the weather in summer but not the extreme elements that can come with those sunny days. Thunderstorms, hurricane and tornadoes can cause a lot of damage. Know the risks of these weather events in your area and prepared ahead to keep your family safe in case of a weather emergency.