Preparing for a storm is a big responsibility. You may overlook so many little things when preparing the house, and even a small error or carelessness can prove more dangerous than you think. That is why it’s important to go over everything for better awareness.

If you live in Florida, preparing your home for severe storms is more important than anything else. You should be storm-proofing your house instead of renovating it every year so it looks more pleasant. Keeping your drains and gutters clean should also be your first priority to stay on the safe side.

Although you can take care of most of the safety measures yourself, it’s best to seek help from professionals for more technical tasks like clearing out the gutters. Give a call to Severson Plumbing for drain cleaning Irvine CA needs, as it is a tough and risky task to do.

After you’ve gotten the big things out of the way, here are a few other things you should avoid during extreme weather.

·Don’t Light Candles

The problem with lighting up candles is that they are a source of fire and during such weather conditions, the strong winds can cause your gas lines to break and leak. This little negligence can lead to a life-threatening situation. Emergency services may also be unable to reach your location for assistance due to inclement weather.

Use battery-operated flashlights instead, as they are safer and a much better option.

·Don’t Hide in the Basement

Many people prefer basements to hide in to avoid lightning strikes or loud noises of clouds rumbling. Although it can make a good shelter, it can also be extremely dangerous. Staying in a basement with no windows or doors can trap you with no way out.

There is also a high chance of basements filling up with water during heavy storms and rainfalls, which is why it is a bad idea to hide underground.

·Don’t Keep Your Chargers Plugged In

Make sure that all electronics are unplugged in such conditions. The electric supply is often disturbed in stormy weather and the current could overload the power cords, destroying your electronics.

Keep all electronics, plugged or unplugged, away from windows or doors to avoid static energy or natural lighting damage. Remember to back up all your important files and keep extra batteries to charge your phone.

• Don’t Bring Your Generator Inside

A generator might be a wise way to light up the house or run essential electronics like air conditioners or refrigerators but using it during such weather conditions is not the best idea.

Generators release carbon monoxide, which can be poisonous in enclosed spaces, leading to medical illnesses and often loss of consciousness. So, when the power goes out, lighting up a few torches is the best option.

·Don’t Open Windows or Doors

One of the most important steps is to make sure all your windows and doors are tightly packed during these weather conditions. It is advised not only to shut them but also to board them up properly for a safer environment. Opening windows or doors can worsen the situation and if the wind is way too strong, it can damage your house and furniture in a flash.

It is also advised not to stand near windows to avoid any incidents of glass breakage.

·Not Packing an Emergency Kit

Being prepared is always essential during weather conditions like these. You never know what’s coming your way. Along with a solid evacuation plan, pack up an emergency kit so you can leave the house as soon as possible.

Experts advise you to include first-aid supplies, necessary medicines, food supplies for at least 3 days, and flashlights and batteries to stay safe. Don’t forget to keep the cash and other valuables in water and fireproof materials.

·Don’t Dismiss Evacuation Advice

If the situation gets out of hand, pack up and evacuate as soon as possible. Don’t neglect the weather updates and when the local officials tell you to evacuate, don’t delay the process.

Unfortunately, when a storm gets to its peak, no safety measures can protect your house. To save your and your family’s lives, the only thing you can do is to pack up the essentials and escape before the situation get even worse.

·Not Preparing for the Aftereffect

When preparing to stay in the house during the storm, most people might forget about the aftermath. You never know how severe the situation can get and what damages the storm could bring around your area.

The stores might stay closed for days and the power may go out for a long duration. To safely survive in your house after the storm, it is better to stock up water to drink and a good amount of food along with numerous torchlights.

Conclusion

It is best not to neglect any safety measures during these disastrous situations to stay out of any trouble. There is nothing more important than saving your and your family’s life, so in the case of evacuation, you should leave without any delay. Be fully prepared when the storm hits so that you can keep your home and family secured and out of every danger.