Preparing for Unpredictable Spring & Fall Weather

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

During unpredictable storms, we are not prepared. SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga is prepared for anything in the storms path.

It’s officially spring and that means one thing—it’s time to buckle up for whatever Mother Nature may choose to send our way.

Springtime’s arrival comes with longer days and more sunshine, but unfortunately, also comes with the threat of severe weather throughout the country. It’s dealer’s choice this time of year, which means the weather may change at moment’s notice.

The changing weather is due to the unstable temperatures that can go from warm to cold even in the same day. That temperature change can result in extreme weather changes as well.

Thunderstorms are increasingly common throughout the spring and are the main cause of severe weather. A thunderstorm can occur whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, which is most common in the spring and summer.

When looking at natural catastrophe loses in 2017, severe thunderstorms were the most common and produced some of the costliest results. Out of 50 events, there were 85 fatalities and an estimated total of $25.4 billion in overall losses.

These storms can bring about the threat of flooding, high winds and even tornadoes if the conditions are right. It has been found in modern history that 10% of all violent tornadoes have occurred in March, with April, May and June taking the top spots at 30%, 24% and 15% respectively.

We may not be able to predict the weather with 100% accuracy, but fortunately, forecasters have the tools available to at least give us an idea of severe weather that could be coming. Advanced warnings, along with the right preparation, can greatly improve overall safety for your family.

Here are some things you can do to your home to prepare for the chance of severe weather. 

1. Clear out your home’s gutters, drains and downspouts.
2. Trim trees of precarious limbs or branches that could break off in a storm.
3. Secure or store outdoor belongings if severe weather is in the forecast.

Having an emergency kit on hand is always advised. These kits should include the following:

• Battery-operated flashlight and NOAA weather radio, with extra batteries for both
• Emergency evacuation or shelter plans
• Important personal info, like telephone numbers of neighbors, family and friends, insurance and property info, numbers for the utility companies, and medical info
• A first-aid kit with things like non-latex gloves, adhesive bandages, tweezers, sterile gauze pads, aspirin packets, adhesive cloth tape and scissors
• 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets or sleeping bag