Getting Serious About Severe Weather

4/9/2018 (Permalink)

A CDC graphic with reminders about preparing for and staying safe during severe weather.

The term “severe weather” covers a whole lot of activity that can affect people across the country on any given day, at any given time.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Americans deal with thousands of these weather events yearly.

Here’s a quick look at some of NOAA’s numbers for an average year:

• 10,000 severe thunderstorms
• 5,000 floods or flash floods
• 1,300 tornadoes
• 2 land-falling, deadly hurricanes
• Approximately 98% of all Presidentially-declared disasters are weather-related
• 650 deaths
• $15 billion in damage

To be prepared for severe weather, it helps to first know the hazards that can affect you, your family and your property.

In the Green Bay area, the National Weather Service (NWS) says we’re at risk for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding and, of course, winter storms. You’ve probably experienced a few of these in your time here (we know we have!).

At SERVPRO we recommend being prepared for the worst as we head into the warmest months of the year. According to the NWS, we’re much more likely to see those severe thunderstorms, floods and tornadoes during the spring and summer (although they can strike any time!).

To prepare we advise getting a NOAA weather radio and taking a look at the FEMA app, which we discussed in a previous blog post. That way you can hear about any watches or warnings headed your way and make sure to seek safe shelter.

It’s also a good time to come up with an emergency plan for your family and your business, put together or buy an emergency kit and keep important papers and valuables in a safe place.

SERVPRO also advises that you spread the word to your friends and family once you have your own plans in place. Post on your social media accounts like Facebook and Twitter that you have plans for staying during severe weather. Your good example could lead others to do the same.

If storms or floods come your way, remember SERVPRO of West Brown County can always help you out in the aftermath. We are here for your storm and water damage recovery needs. Just pick up the phone and dial 920-434-8224.

Just please be sure to take care of yourself and your family first.