How To Stay Safe In A Severe Storm in Alabama

Do you live in the Alabama area? If you live in Birmingham, Mobile, Lake Martin, Dothan, Huntsville, Florence, or anywhere in between, then you’re probably used to the sometimes extreme weather changes. Valley Storm Shelters is a leading designer and manufacturer of storm shelters and safe rooms and we are proud to offer our services in Alabama. A top-quality storm shelter might be the exact thing you need to feel safe when extreme weather strikes. However, we think it’s important to stay prepared, so we’ve prepared 10 tips to help you stay safe in a severe storm in Alabama and surrounding areas.

Read on as we talk about how you and your family can feel a little safer when the worst happens.

10 Tips To Stay Safe In A Severe Storm in Alabama

Did you know that about 100,000 thunderstorms occur every year in the United States? Though only 10% are considered severe, it can be really frightening when they produce lightning, strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and even tornadoes. They can happen year round, and you want to make sure you’re prepared for every situation.

Here are a few ideas to help you stay safe no matter the weather.

Stay Aware and Alert

The first thing you should do is make sure you have access to local weather information. Watch for approaching storms and always check the weather forecast before you head outside. If there are thunderstorms predicted for the day, we suggest postponing outdoor activities. Have a weather radio app connected to your phone so you can get 24/7 updates from the National Weather Service. 

Remember that severe weather watches tell you when and where the weather are likely to occur. Severe weather warnings, on the other hand, are issued when storms are actually reported by spotters or appear on weather radars.

Have A Safety Plan In Place

When a warning does hit, take shelter immediately. Get in a sturdy building, away from windows and electrical appliances. The safest course of action would be to avoid contact with conductors of electricity and water of any kind. Get underground if you can, and put as many walls between you and the outside as possible. Obviously storm shelters are the safest place to be, but stay as low as possible if you don’t have that at your home or office.

Prepare A Safety Kit

We think that every family living in Alabama should prepare a safety kit. If you’re trying to stay safe in a severe storm in Alabama then we suggest considering these items in your kit:

• Heavy duty flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Battery operated radio with access to local weather channels
• Bottled water for your family and pets (we suggest keeping at least a gallon per person, per day)
• Energy food, including nuts and power bars
• Helmets and protective gear
• Horn or whistle in case you have to alert others to your location
• Extra blankets and sleeping equipment

Think Ahead

If you are living in a high risk area for severe weather, pack an emergency bag with some of your essentials that you can grab quickly. Make sure you have a cell phone and charger, your ID, credit cards and cash, and important documents you might want to save. If your home gets damaged, it can be a relief to make sure you have these items stored safely with you.

Make Sure Your Pets Are Inside Too

You don’t want to be out looking for your pets when a storm hits, so as soon as a watch is issued, get your pets inside. We know that pets can be family, so get them inside with you if even harsh weather is predicted. 

Unplug

Though some appliances are hard to unplug, it is best to avoid landline telephones and unplug anything that conducts electricity. Only use electricity when absolutely necessary during a severe storm in Alabama.

Alert Friends and Family

Something that not everyone thinks about is to check in with other family members and friends. If you live in a high risk area, tell your family and friends where you are and where you plan to be during the worst of the storm.

Not only could it help give them peace of mind, but your call might be the first they are hearing of the storm warning. It’s best if at least two people know your location, just in case the worst happens.

Don’t Stay In Vehicles or Mobile Homes

Maybe it’s obvious but vehicles and mobile homes don’t have a strong foundation. They can get caught up in a tornado or intense wind and be destroyed. If you live in a mobile home, find a more secure location. If you’re in your vehicle, get to a shelter as quickly as possible.

Avoid Water

Just in case electrical storms are severe, you don’t want to get electrocuted. Avoid water if at all possible. It’s also important to avoid walking in puddles or other standing bodies of water if you’re caught outside during a storm.

Invest in A Valley Storm Shelter

The safest course of action for any severe weather is to invest in some sort of storm shelters. Valley Storm Shelters in based in Alabama, and we manufacture and install above and below ground safe rooms and storm shelters across the southeast. We take pride in every shelter we create, which means you can count on their safety and quality. They are constructed to withstand 250 mph winds (equivalent to that of a EF-5 tornado), and each one has been tested by the Texas Tech Wind Science and Engineering Research Center. 

Contact us if you have any questions about purchasing a storm shelter for your family or organization. We suggest doing a little research of your own. We don’t think you’ll find a better resource out there. Browse our safety options, and get prepared for severe weather in Alabama today!

Want more assurance? Check out this video!