How to Prepare for Unpredictable Spring Weather | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County
4/22/2019 (Permalink)
How to Prepare for Unpredictable Spring Weather | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County - SERVPRO OF NORTH KENOSHA COUNTY Blog
Welcome to long-awaited spring! Now we can enjoy spring-like weather…and all that Mother Nature has in store for us during this season.
We can now enjoy longer days and more sunshine with the arrival of spring, but unfortunately, spring also brings with it the threat of severe weather throughout the country. You never know what kind of weather a spring day is going to bring, which means the weather may change at moment’s notice.
Spring brings unstable temperatures, which cause changes in the weather, going from warm to cold even in the same day. Those temperature changes can result in extreme weather changes as well.
Thunderstorms become more prevalent 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.
Severe thunderstorms were the most common cause of natural catastrophe losses in the U.S. for 2017 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.
With these storms comes the threat of flooding, high winds and even tornadoes if the conditions are right. It has been found that in modern history, 10% of all violent tornadoes have occurred in March, with April, May and June taking the top spots at 30%, 24% and 15% respectively.
Even though we may not be able to predict the weather with 100% accuracy, forecasters do have the technology at their disposal to at least warn us of severe weather that could occur. 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:
- Clear out your home’s gutters, drains and downspouts.
- Trim trees of precarious limbs or branches that could break off in a storm.
- 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
Despite its unpredictability, there is one thing that always remains true of the spring weather season: It always happens. If your home or business is damaged in a storm, you can depend on SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County to get the cleanup and restoration process started fast.