How to Stay Safe During a Storm
Posted by Joel. Filed under: Hurricane Storm Help
Storms can be categorized in three major definitions namely hurricanes, thunderstorms and tornadoes. Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. Thunderstorms can happen year round. Tornadoes usually occur in spring and summer; they can however, happen at any time of the year. Another type of storm which is often not given proper importance is the winter storm where winds and cold weather pick up and can cause lots of harm and damage.
It is advised to stay indoors as much as possible during a storm. This offers relatively good protection against the elements.
Windows are one of the first items to feel the brunt of the storm. High winds exert lots of pressure on window openings and it is advised that people stay away from windows as much as possible. A good way of protecting one’s house windows is to have shutters installed before a storm. In case this has not been possible, as soon as a storm warning hits, it is advised to put up well-secured plywood pieces which will block the windows. Taping the window panes will not protect the glass from shattering under the force of the wind, so applying tape to the window surface should not be mistaken as a safety measure. If no protection is up on the windows, it is advised to stay in a room where there are no or very few windows. In the case of a tornado, it is preferable to remain in a closed, windowless premise, like a closet or a bathroom.
It is advisable to listen to the radio during any storm, so as to be aware of the weather conditions prevailing. People can thus be immediately notified of special precautions or even if there arises the need for evacuation.
During a thunderstorm, which is accompanied by lightning, heavy winds and rainfall, again, it is advised to remain indoor as long as possible. Given the electrical nature of such storms, care should be taken to stay away from metal pipes and other such utility lines which can conduct electricity. All electrical appliances should be unplugged, the telephone should be used as little as possible and taking showers should be avoided. In case someone is stuck outside in a thunderstorm, it is advised to stay away from trees, poles and other metal objects as they conduct electricity. Shelter should be sought immediately. To avoid being struck by lightning, one should not lie on the ground, but squat down as low as possible, thus making oneself the smallest possible target.
In the case of a tornado storm, it is advised to stay indoors as much as possible, away from the windows. The most interior section of the house and the lowest level of the location, are the safest bets. In case of a severe warning, shelter can be sought in a closed premise like a closet. If caught outside or on the road when a tornado warning is announced, it is preferable to seek shelter as soon as possible. Cars should be evacuated. If no shelter is available, it is advised to crouch down in a low area, away from the vehicle and also to cover the neck and head.
Downed utility lines should be avoided at all costs and all wires should be treated as live. People in the storm warning area should also be prepared to shut off all utility lines as soon as the alert to do so is given. It is also advised to be wary of changing weather conditions. An apparent calm outside might only be the ‘eye’ of the storm. Weather conditions can deteriorate very quickly, so people should remain indoors until the storm warning is lifted.
In the case of winter storms, it is advisable to have extra blankets and warm clothes at hand. Each member of the household should have a warm coat, mittens or gloves, a hat and water-resistant boots. During the storm, people should not venture outside. Temperatures, combined with the cold of the high winds, can be very taxing on the human body, so proper warm clothing should be worn. If absolutely necessary to venture outside, it is preferable to wear several layers of lightweight clothes rather than a single thick coat to keep the warmth locked in.
In all cases of storm warnings, traveling is discouraged. In case one has to be on the road or if caught on the road when the storm warning is given, all the above safety conditions apply. It is better to stop and seek shelter rather than continue traveling in the hopes of getting away from the storm quickly enough.