Summertime Storms and Shelter Tips To Give You Peace of Mind

The National Weather Service wants to ensure that people who live in severe weather areas are prepared for extreme weather. So if you’re struggling with what to do before, during, and after storms, or just need some summertime storms and shelter tips to help you feel more prepared this year, you’ve come to the right place!

Inside is the safest place to be when caught in a thunderstorm. You’ve heard the saying, “when thunder roars, go indoors.” Finding a place to lay low is the best plan whenever a warning is issued in your area. Let’s go over some summertime storms and shelter tips to help you prepare for all severe weather events.

Here’s What You Need To Know About Summertime Storms and Shelter Safety Tips

Summer isn’t over yet, and the threat of a severe storm does not just go away just because school is starting. Rough weather, including flash floods, crazy winds, hurricanes, hail, and tornadoes, can arise at nearly any moment. Savvy homeowners won’t wait for a storm warning; they will prepare their homes and families beforehand!

Here are the steps you should take to keep your home and your family safe!

Get Prepared Before a Summertime Storm Strikes

There are several things you and your family can do to prepare before a storm hits.

Practice a Severe Weather Plan

Residents who live in high-risk states should create and practice a plan in the event of a tornado or lightning storm. Seek shelter in a basement, bathroom with windows, or a storm shelter. You should also check with your insurance company and ensure you have enough coverage if the storm damages your property.

Create a Severe Weather Checklist

With any storm, one of the most dangerous things to watch out for is the wind. Powerful wind can severely damage your home if you’re not prepared. Tie down outside items and safely lock up items that might blow away inside if the winds get broken.

Don’t forget to take care of grills, garbage cans, patio furniture, bikes, and whatever else you might have outside. Pay attention to high wind advisories so that you can take immediate action and secure these items to avoid damage or personal injury.

Look Into Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

As we mentioned above, it’s essential to check in on your homeowner’s insurance policy. Flash floods and hurricanes can inflict some serious damage to your home during the summer. Unfortunately, many homeowner policies don’t include flood damage caused by rain, so ask your insurance agent about gap coverage.

It’s crucial that you confirm your limits so that you can avoid any stressful surprises down the road. Depending on where you live, you’ll likely have to purchase a separate policy so that you get the compensation you need when the storm is over.

Conduct a Home Inventory

Especially if you have many high-dollar items in your home, it might be a good idea to complete a home inventory and make a detailed list of all of your personal property. In the event that your home and personal items are severely damaged or destroyed altogether, you’ll have to prove your loss to your insurance company.

Having a list of what needs replacing will make the claims process much smoother.

During The Storm

The first thing you should do is to check the weather frequently. Listen to current weather reports and have a battery-operated NOAA weather radio handy so that you can stay up to date on changing weather conditions. For example, sometimes a thunderstorm can transform into a devastating tornado or even include large hail.

During the storm, try to avoid contact with corded phones and devices, specifically those plugged into electrical outlets for recharging. If you can do so safely, it’s a good idea to unplug appliances and other electrical items in your home, like computers and air conditioning units. A power surge caused by lightning can cause severe damage to your devices and appliances.

You should also avoid contact with plumbing and water. This means no showering or bathing, or laundry loads. Water and plumbing conduct electricity, and you don’t want to get hurt.

What To Do If You’re Caught Outside

If you’re stuck outside and can’t get back to your home or personal storm shelter, it’s best to try to find shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid sheds or other small structures like a baseball dugout, as these places have a high chance of getting damaged in the wind.

It’s also best to avoid natural lightning rods like a single tree in an open area. The National Weather Service suggests avoiding hilltops or open fields. You should avoid being in or near any body of water, and it should also go without saying that you should avoid touching anything with metal.

If you’re driving during a severe thunderstorm or lightning storm, you should try to exit the road and park safely. Stay in your car with your hazard lights on, and avoid roadways that will likely flood. Just 12 inches of water is enough to sweep away most vehicles.

During storm season, your best bet is to stay indoors when the weather is predicted to get nasty. The best way to stay safe is to be prepared so that you can get inside and stay inside.

Get Peace Of Mind With Valley Storm Shelters

If you genuinely want to feel safe during the summer storm season, you need a storm shelter from Valley Storm Shelters. Valley Storm Shelters has the highest-rated safe rooms on the market so that you are equipped to handle any storm. With the above tips and all of our custom shelter options, you and your family can create a comfortable space whenever extreme weather strikes.