TEMPLE, Texas — Spring is here and we all know that even though severe storms can take place anytime, this time of year is when we are most likely to see them. There are a couple of things you can do to help you prepare now, so you’ll have a plan in place when the potential for severe storms arises.
There are three main things to remember when it comes to preparing for severe storms. Have a severe weather kit ready and available, have a safety plan in place and make sure you have a way to get those weather alerts.
There are a couple of must-have items you should have in your weather safety kit, including batteries for your flashlight in case your power goes out, a cell phone charger and a fully charged phone or other device so you can have a way to get your alerts or contact loved ones.
Most smartphones also have a flashlight capability, which you could use if your power goes out. A weather radio is another good thing to have if you don’t have a smartphone.
You’ll also want to have closed toed shoes and a helmet in your safety kit. The shoes are mainly for after the storm, in case you have to clean up any debris. You'll want to make sure to keep your kit in a place easy to reach when severe storms roll your way so you can grab it in a jiffy.
The biggest thing to keep in mind when it comes to your safety plan is knowing where you should go in the event a tornado watch or warning comes down.
When a tornado watch comes down it means conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur. This means you should make plans to head to your safe place and get that kit out. A warning means severe weather is either taking place right now or will be occurring soon. This is when you need to be in your safe place with your safety kit.
If you're home, the safest places are places like a closet or bathtub or anywhere in the interior most part of your house that doesn't have windows. Low on the floor is the best place to go in the event a warning goes down. You’ll want to avoid windows or being next to items that could fall on you.
Last but not least, you’ll want to make sure you have a way to get those weather alerts, which is very important during severe weather events. Now while your safe place may not have a tv in it, you can either use a weather radio to keep updated with coverage on the storms or use your smartphones to stream our coverage on our 6 News app.
Severe weather season doesn't have to be as scary as it sounds! Now you know exactly what to do and where to go.
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