Severe Weather Preparation
Don’t look now, but those blooming plants and flowers are a sure sign that spring weather cannot be far behind! At Childress Insurance Agency, 2391 West Main Street, Suite A, Cabot we look forward to green landscapes and the endless opportunities to enjoy nature after the gloom of winter.
It also happens to be the prime season for severe weather in the form of tornadoes, flooding and other realized or potential disasters. Each year, it becomes more important to prepare for such incidences by compiling a list of things to have completed before high winds or hail pummel your home or business. An emergency kit is always a good idea – stock it with non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights (with fresh batteries) and a host of other items in case you and your family end up without power or worse yet the ability to leave a damaged property.
Another essential thing is development of a family evacuation plan encompassing everything from gathering spots for exiting a home and keeping communications easily accessible (fully charged cell phones, for example) to designating what responsibilities each household member will have should an emergency arise. On top of that, of course, is the proper amount of insurance coverage for loss of property, etc. No one wants to be caught without enough coverage. Call us today at (501) 941-1148 to make sure you’re well insured!
Keep an eye on weather developments. Information is readily available today for receiving severe weather alerts via text, email or conventional sources like radio and television broadcasts. In addition, make it a priority to watch the skies yourself because even the most advanced technology cannot guarantee sufficient warning by trusted media sources. If you see an approaching storm, look for characteristics – a green tint to the clouds, rapidly increasing winds, widespread hail. When a warning is issued, move to your safe area at home, be it the basement, storm cellar or interior closet. Be sure to follow whatever directions are provided by local media and authorities. And, utilize a NOAA Weather Radio to give another layer of reassurance during breaking weather.
Flooding poses some different challenges, but preparation is virtually the same. It is of the utmost importance to pay attention to rising waters and monitor media accounts of conditions. Regardless of whether a community, state or region is flood-prone or not, the risk is always there when substantial rains hit. Know the higher flooding locations nearby and be ready to evacuate if necessary. The importance of flood insurance cannot be overstated! Stop by our offices, send an email on this site or call us today for more information about flood insurance. The less risk of a flood in your area, the less you pay for coverage.
Lightning can be one of the most serious aspects of severe weather. Why? For one, it kills and injures more Americans than all but two other factors related to storms (falling debris and structural collapses rank high as well), according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Keeping an eye to the sky can mean the difference between serious injury or death and making it to safety in a home, building, hard surface vehicle, etc. If you are inside, be sure to close off windows and doors to avoid lightning traveling through these entrances.
With all of the above, it is important to make preparations. Severe weather season is here and can be impossible to predict. Plans count for a great deal of comfort when things happen. Insurance coverage plays a major role. So, call us now to be on the right side of approaching storms.
No comments yet.