Do You Have a Storm Prep Plan in Place? | SERVPRO® of Clatsop, Columbia Counties

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Clatsop, Columbia Counties right away.

As frightening as it sounds, severe weather is more common than you might think. To put it in perspective, there are around 100,000 thunderstorms per year in the United States.

In the Pacific Northwest especially, heavy rainfall is a common occurrence, which can lead to flooding. Sometimes there is even snow at higher elevations, causing its own problems.

Being prepared in situations like these is crucial to your safety. Knowing what to do and what to avoid is of utmost importance. That’s why we are providing you with tips about best practices.

Best Communication Methods During Severe Weather

One of the most important things during the severe weather is to stay connected by communicating. But before accessing your communication plan, make sure you know how to differentiate between watches and warnings to be able to act accordingly. During watches, you will have to stay alert, while during warnings, you will need to protect yourself.

The second thing to work on is to have a way to receive necessary information. This can include you getting connected to a NOAA weather radio, TV broadcasts or receiving text alerts from officials. All of these means of communication will help you understand the severity of the storm you are dealing with.

The third step is to generate an emergency communication plan for your entire household. You need to have a designated safety area, meaning that in the case of an emergency you and the rest of the people in your home can hide there until it’s safe to exit. This can be a bathroom, attic or a special room in your house.

Prepare a Storm Emergency Kit

An emergency kit can be a lifesaver in the case of severe weather. Put all your essentials in it, such as water, flashlights and medical supplies. You never know how long a storm can last and how long you will be away from your personal belongings.

Post-Severe Weather Checklist

Going through severe weather is not only about prep work, but also about what you do afterward. After the storm has passed and you can safely return to your home or the main area of your house, you will need to inspect the space for the possible damages.

Roofs and the seals around windows and doors are usually the most affected, so checking on those is a good place to start your inspection.

If you do find damages, knowing who to turn to for help is essential. SERVPRO of Clatsop, Columbia Counties is your reliable restoration company that can take care of all your needs and remove any worries. And the best part is that we are open ²⁴⁄₇ to serve you!

It’s also a good idea to do an audit of your safety plan with your household members. You can discuss what worked well for you during the storm and what areas of your safety plan need improvement. That way you will know exactly how to act in the future similar situations.

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO to handle the restoration. We’re here ²⁴⁄₇ to spring into action—get in touch with us today.