We don't like to think about natural disasters like tornadoes and severe storms until we need to. Unfortunately, Texas is familiar with severe storms and tornadoes, so you and your family must prepare for spring storms and tornado season. Mr. Restore cares about your safety; we know exactly what you should consider for an emergency before it strikes. It is important to be prepared to take care of your family, yourself, and others. Storms can lead to a variety of damages and emergencies, including flooding and structural damage to your homes, such as water damage and roof damage.
There are three main things families need to be prepared for weather emergencies:
- Family disaster plan
- Weather radio
- Emergency supplies
Family Disaster Plan
One of the most important things you can do for your family to have is a family disaster plan. A complete family disaster plan should include the following:
- Information about each family member and household pets
- Insurance and finances
- The home itself and its contents
The most important part is that the plan outlines what each family member needs to do during an emergency. It will also identify safe places inside and outside the home.
A copy of the plan needs to be stored in the home with your disaster supply kit. Store a second copy online that you can access at any time. Your family should review their disaster plan at least once a year and update it as needed. When your family knows what to do when a storm strikes, the family will react quickly and will be safe.
Weather Radio
According to the Federal Emergency Management Association, weather radios should be in every home. This is especially true in communities that do not have emergency warning sirens. They usually cost less than $30 and can be programmed to broadcast alerts for watches or warnings for your area. They have battery backups to ensure that the radio will sound even if the electricity goes out. They are also helpful after a storm because our communities broadcast where to go for immediate help and what you can do to help others affected by the storm.
You should test it regularly to ensure that it will go off when needed, just like any other safety equipment.
Emergency Supplies
You will need emergency supplies if a tornado or severe storm strikes unexpectedly. These supplies must be easily accessible during a storm situation. These supplies will have the things you need to move forward and start implementing your plan. This will allow you to survive on your own for a few days.
Remember, your home disaster supplies kit needs to include supplies for everyone in your household. This includes pets, people with specific needs, babies, the elderly, and those with medical conditions. This might change what type of container you use for your kit.
A basic disaster kit should include the following:
- Food – enough for everyone in your home for at least 72 hours
- Water – One gallon of water per person per day
- Hand-operated can opener
- Paper plates and utensils
- Aluminum foil
- Small plastic containers with lids or baggies
- Clothing – One change of clothing plus shoes for every person
- Rain gear
- Bedding
- First aid kit
- Personal medication
- Cash – you may not be able to use the ATM or a credit card
- Contact list that includes family, friends, doctors, and your insurance company
- Area map to help locate shelters
- Radio with extra batteries
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Fire extinguisher
- Tent
- Basic tool kit
- Tape
- Compass
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Emergency flares
- Paper and pencil or pen
- Whistle
- Large sheets of plastic
- Toilet paper
- Soap
- Feminine hygiene supplies
- Personal hygiene items
- Plastic garbage bags
- Bleach
When your family has emergency supplies and plans, you will feel safe and prepared for any type of severe weather. If your home suffers from water, flood, or wind damage this storm season, immediately contact Mr. Restore. Our experienced, certified technicians will arrive at your property and begin assessing the damage to get your home and your life restored to normal.