The East Coast (specifically RestoreCore’s hometown states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey) has recently been hit by a surge of severe summer weather, causing an uptick in flash floods and violent storms. The impact of these events extends beyond mere inconvenience, causing significant water damage, disrupting lives, and upending communities. As we face this harsh reality, effective disaster planning, prompt damage control, and strategic restoration efforts can help us prepare for and weather these intense seasonal storms.
Grasping the Consequences of Flash Floods and Severe Storms
Flash floods and violent storms represent more than just a torrent of water and high winds. These weather phenomena can result in an onslaught of water that engulfs low-lying areas within minutes, causing devastating water damage to property and infrastructure.
The after-effects of such incidents are long-lasting and multifaceted, encompassing everything from structural damage, serious water damage and even extended service disruptions. They can leave neighborhoods without power, potable water, and other critical services for extended periods, compounding the struggle to regain normalcy.
Disaster Planning for Severe Summer Weather
Proper disaster planning is instrumental in mitigating the consequences of extreme weather events. Here are some tips on how to prepare for severe summer weather:
Pro-Tip: Stay Updated! Keeping informed about weather conditions is the first step in disaster planning. Stay tuned to local news channels, follow instructions from local authorities, and sign up for real-time weather alerts.
Pro-Tip: Secure Your Property! Reinforce your property against potential water damage by safeguarding outdoor objects that may be displaced by strong winds, and by cleaning rain gutters and downspouts. Regular inspections of your home can also help identify and fix vulnerabilities like leaky roofs or loose shingles before a storm hits.
Pro-Tip: Create an Emergency Kit! Prepare for eventualities such as power outages and isolation due to severe weather by stocking up on essentials. Your emergency kit should include bottled water, non-perishable food, medical supplies, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, and extra batteries. If you want more details on creating an emergency kit, check out our former blog post HERE.
Pro-Tip: Develop an Emergency Plan! Formulate a work AND family emergency plan that includes safe spots within your home and office, evacuation routes, and a designated meeting point should your family become separated. Ensure everyone knows how to reach each other and where to meet.
Pro-Tip: Consider Flood Insurance! Since regular homeowner’s insurance usually doesn’t cover flood damage, you might want to contemplate flood insurance if you reside in an area susceptible to flooding.
Protecting Yourself and Prompt Restoration After a Severe Weather Event
When severe weather strikes, protecting yourself and your property becomes paramount. After the event, swift action towards restoration is crucial. Here are some tips on how to react after a severe storm hits:
Pro-Tip: Stay Inside! If a storm hits, try to remain indoors, away from windows and glass doors to prevent injuries from broken glass or debris.
Pro-Tip: Avoid Floodwaters! Do not attempt to walk or drive through floodwaters. As little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, while 2 feet can sweep away a car.
Pro-Tip: Relocate to Higher Ground! If there’s a flood warning or if your property is at risk, move to higher ground immediately.
Pro-Tip: Practice Electrical Safety! Avoid using electrical devices if you’re wet or standing in water. If flooding occurs, turn off the main breaker if it is safe to do so.
Pro-Tip: Begin Restoration Quickly! Once the storm subsides, prompt restoration is key to minimizing water damage and hastening recovery. Seek professional help to assess the damage and start necessary repairs.
In the face of flash floods and severe storms, knowledge, preparation, and swift restoration are our strongest tools. Let us use them wisely as we navigate these stormy summer months, ensuring our safety and the quick recovery of our homes and communities.
If you’d like access to a large library of disaster procedures, or if you want individual help with creating a custom disaster plan, reach out to the SecureCore Team HERE.