Wildfires in Maui, hurricanes in Florida, tornado warnings in Pennsylvania – extreme weather events are becoming more common. There is evidence that these events are linked to climate change, and that we can expect them to continue or even worsen.
So, do your part to combat climate change, and in the meantime, take some action to protect your home and your family from the worst effects of extreme weather.
Step One – Stay Informed
Ten or twenty years ago, talking about the weather was a form of small talk with strangers. It can still be that, but it is now a matter of personal safety in a way that wasn’t true before.
You need to have reliable sources of information about weather and emergencies.
Some good ones are:
- Wireless emergency alerts (WEAs). WEAs look like text messages but are designed to get your attention with a unique sound and vibration repeated twice. You are not charged for receiving WEAs and there is no need to subscribe.
- Local radio and television stations
- Weather apps on your smartphone
- NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings.
- Weather-Ready Nation has information for readying your community for extreme weather and climate events.
Sign Up for Notifications: Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smartphones to alert residents to severe storms.
The city of Philadelphia offers free weather and emergency alerts. To sign up, text READYPHILA to 888-77 or visit www.phila.gov/ready, to choose the type of alerts you wish to receive.
Step Two – Create an Emergency Preparedness Plan
Take proactive steps to discuss emergency preparedness with your family. Important considerations include:
- What to do in the event of a fire
- How to evacuate the house/apartment building if necessary
- Where to meet after an evacuation
- Where to shelter from high winds or tornados
Get more ideas for a plan at: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.
Step Three – Prepare an Emergency Kit
Having an emergency kit ready can help give you peace of mind. Items to include:
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- Can-opener
- Flashlights and batteries
- First aid supplies
- Important documents
Keep the emergency kit somewhere accessible, and make sure everyone knows where it is. It’s a good idea to also have a smaller one for your car.
Read more about emergency supply kits.
Step Four – Protect the Home
You can take a number of proactive measures to protect your property from the worst effects of severe weather.
- Trim trees
- Secure outdoor furniture
- Install impact-resistant windows
- Secure your roof
- Clear gutters and downspouts
- Install a sump pump if you live in a flood prone area
Step Five – Review Homeowners Insurance Policy
Review your homeowners insurance policy to make sure you have adequate coverage for the types of weather events that are common in your area. Your policy documents should have an insurance agent listed. Calling to speak to them can help clarify which coverages you have and don’t have.
- How much coverage do you have?
- Are you covered for floods or earthquakes?
- Should you consider flood insurance?
Conclusion
Extreme weather events can be frightening. Taking proactive measures can help provide peace of mind. No one can control the weather, but we can plan ahead and take actions to protect the health and safety of our families and homes.
