Add to favorites Examiner Bio

Severe weather planning

If you don’t feel that you are ready for a severe weather situation in your own home, there is a very short phrase that, by following, will assure that you are ready. Make Practice Perfect.

 

 

Make: In addition to making your severe weather “escape” route to the “safe zone” in the lowest level of your home, you should make a severe weather survival kit. The kit should absolutely include a battery operated AM/FM radio and a flash light, but can also have many other items such as water, food, games to play (to keep your worriers mind off the thunder) and blankets among many other things. Hopefully the kit will never need to be used, but in the event of an emergency you will be happy that you spent the time bringing these essential items together. Because you will be in your own home, you may think that you do not need a kit because you will pull everything together in the event of a storm. The fact of the matter is that storms can come up very quickly and putting in some time initially and having your kit in your “safe zone” at your house will help tremendously in a severe weather situation.

 

Practice: One effective way to make actual severe weather situations not as overwhelming and scary is to practice your severe weather drill. I know you probably haven’t had a drill since you were in school, but you could probably still name the safe places in your high school right now. Why? Because drills work. Not only will your children know where they need to be in case of severe weather they will be prepared and not as scared when real severe weather arrives.

 

Perfect: After you have made your route, safe zone and survival kit you should make sure they are all in perfect shape frequently, at least monthly, especially during severe weather season. Make a habit of checking the batteries on your radio and flashlight and any other battery operated devices in your survival kit. Although it is seeming impossible to have things go off perfectly with young children, if you focus on the importance of following your severe weather route and having everyone know where the safe zone is in your house, you will be doing all that you can to ensure a perfect severe weather situation for your family.

 

Obviously, nobody wants to be involved in a severe weather situation, especially when they have young children at home, but that alone doesn’t mean you should neglect your plan. By Making Practice Perfect you will do your part to stay safe during the turbulent summer weather season. Now that you know what you need start preparing your plan today. Get your flashlight, radio and ear plugs ready, the first two to manage through the severe weather and the third to prepare yourself for the potential for a couple hours in a confined space with your kids. Good luck.