5 Things You Can Do to Prepare for Severe Weather

May 22, 2023 Jackie Heikel Comments

Severe weather can strike unexpectedly, causing damage and disruptions in our daily lives. It is essential to be well-prepared and equipped to handle such situations to ensure the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and your property. You can minimize the impact of severe weather events by taking proactive steps. Here are five measures to help you prepare for severe weather:

Stay Informed:
One of the most crucial aspects of preparing for severe weather is staying informed about the latest updates and forecasts. Sign up for local weather alerts and notifications on your smartphone or through weather apps. Keep an eye on reliable sources of information, such as the Ambient Weather Network, which pulls hyperlocal data from hundreds of thousands of local weather stations. Better yet, if you have an Ambient Weather Station and Sensors, you can quickly monitor your actual backyard weather conditions and be alerted of changing conditions. Also, it is essential to understand the types of severe weather that commonly occur in your area, whether hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, or floods. Being well-informed allows you to take appropriate action promptly and set alerts for conditions that matter most.
Know the Difference between Watch/Warning/Advisory:
Each term holds a different meaning regarding the severity of the weather condition. A severe weather watch means conditions are favorable for storms in your area. A warning indicates an imminent storm or hazardous conditions, meaning you should take shelter immediately. An advisory informs you of possible events, such as high winds or hail, which may impact your area. Familiarize yourself with the National Weather Service's watch, warning, and advisory definitions: https://www.weather.gov/lwx/WarningsDefined
Create an Emergency Plan and Supplies Kit:
Put together a family emergency plan that includes an evacuation route, communication procedures, and safety measures, such as where to meet in case of separation during a storm. Have a designated 'safe room' in your home where you can go during severe weather. Also, make sure to have an emergency kit on hand in case of any power outages. Stock up on essential items such as food, water, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and first aid supplies.
Monitor Your Hyperlocal Conditions with an Ambient Weather Station:
An Ambient Weather Station is a powerful tool to track your local weather conditions. It provides real-time hyperlocal data such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, and more. This information is then used to generate accurate weather forecasts and alerts you can remotely monitor on the Ambient Weather Network. With an Ambient Weather Station, you can be the first to know about incoming storms or hazardous weather, giving you more time to take precautions and ensure your safety.
Protect Your Home:
Protect your home against severe weather events by performing routine maintenance checks and necessary repairs. Install storm shutters on windows, reinforce doors, and secure outdoor furniture. Adding sensors to the inside of your home is also a simple way to prevent any damage from becoming more serious. Add a WH31E Temperature and Humidity Sensor to your Ambient Weather Station, which can detect and alert you to possible flooding or mold-prone conditions. By taking the right precautions, you can minimize any damage.

If you are interested in adding an Ambient Weather Station to your backyard, view our comparison chart to find the right station for your needs: https://ambientweather.com/compare-weather-stations-compatible-sensors

About author

Jackie Heikel