How to Prepare for Spring Storms in Northeast Ohio

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

In late March, the National Weather Service holds Severe Weather Awareness Week to educate people about the upcoming spring storm season. If you live in Ohio, then you know how quickly severe weather arises. In fact, most Ohio tornadoes occur in May, June, and July. 

Now that we’re deep into the spring storm season, it’s important to revisit the helpful information discussed during Severe Weather Awareness Week. 

At SERVPRO we know how to fix your property, but we can’t fix you, so always protect your most important and irreplaceable assets--yourself and your loved ones. 

To best protect yourself, you need to know what you’re protecting against. That’s why it’s important to know some weather terminology. 

What’s the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and a warning? 

A watch is normally in effect for several hours and tells you that currently, weather conditions could develop into severe thunderstorms. A warning tells you that current storm conditions could get worse and include heavy rain and strong winds. 

You can brush up on your severe weather terms at weathersafety.ohio.gov. 

Once you feel adequately educated, it’s time to make a plan. Having a plan in place takes away the panic when a severe weather event happens. Make sure you can answer these questions: 

1. How will you communicate with your family?
2. Where will you meet? 
3. What supplies do you need if you lose power and water?
4. Do your children know what to do if they’re not home or outside? 
5. What precautions should you take when lightning is striking?
6. Who should you call if you are injured or your home is damaged?

Knowing what to do can make bad situations a little bit better because you can react quickly.  

What should you have on hand in case of severe weather? Have an emergency kit stocked and ready. Here’s a list of supplies you should include:

• First Aid kit
• Flashlights and batteries
• Phone charger and mobile power bank
• 3 day’s supply of food and water 
• Blankets to keep warm

Arming yourself with the proper knowledge and supplies for a severe weather event puts you well ahead of most people, who don’t prepare at all. We never think severe weather will affect us until it does. Don’t fall into this trap: be safe rather than sorry.