Splash! Splash! Pitter Patter, Pitter Patter! The sound of little feet running in rain boots across some pavement as a child scouts out and jumps into a puddle. The only thoughts in this child’s mind are, “How big of a splash can I make? I want to find the biggest puddle, EVER!” Rain is inevitable during the spring season. It not only
brings a little joy to a puddle-splashing child but it replenishes the earth and its soil. Flowers begin to bloom, and colors look and seem more vibrant and bright than any other season. Spring can be a favorite to many until storms hit and the weather begins to become unpredictable. A child can go from running and jumping in the rain to cowering under a blanket when they hear unusual sounds coming from the sky, sounds that resemble a bowling ball rolling and hitting pins. BOOM! CRACK! The rainfall doesn’t seem as daunting until the harsh sounds and bright flashes of light hit the sky.
Thunderstorms are the main culprit in bringing in severe spring weather, such as lightning, tornadoes, and flooding. When warm, moist air runs into cool, dry air it causes thunderstorms. The spring is the main season that these treacherous storms usually begin. Spring brings uncertainty and unpredictability in the weather forecast. It can change on a dime, what may seem like beautiful sunny weather could drastically change to a harsh and eerie storm. It is easy to go unprepared when these dramatic storms don’t normally hit the region you live in but because spring weather is so unpredictable it is important to be aware and ready for anything that could come your way. For it is when people don’t prepare that the risk of injury and even death can increase. Therefore it is vital to have preparations in place.
General preparations
Take safety precautions and have an emergency kit available. Here are a few things to include:
- Flashlight
- Battery operated weather radio
- Have an evacuation and/or shelter plan
- List of personal information such as contact info for family and friends
- Insurance and property info
- Medical information
- Include a first aid kit with medical supplies
- Plenty of bottled water and nonperishable food items ready for multiple days
- Toiletries
- Blankets
It is not only important to have an emergency kit in your home but also in your car if you were to ever be stranded somewhere when a storm hit. Be sure to practice emergency plans and have all family members be aware of where the emergency kit is held.
Flood preparations
Thunderstorms can bring heavy rainfall, and as the weather gets warmer and snow begins to melt the extra water can begin to overtake streams and ditches ultimately leading to flooding. Here are some ways to be prepared for a flood:
- Make sure your house has flood insurance, it can help protect against difficult expenses that you’d be responsible for otherwise.
- Keep a record of valuable items within your home because it will help when filing an insurance claim.
- Keep important files and documents in a protected and safe place either in or out of the home.
- Have an emergency kit
- Create an evacuation plan
If a flood is in the process and it’s slow-moving then you may have time, before evacuating, to reduce any damage that may occur by placing sandbags around your home. Also if you are able, be sure to turn off gas, water, and electricity. Lastly, you can help alleviate damage to your valuables by getting them to the higher levels of your house.
Weather preparations
Don’t only focus on preparations within your home but also on the outside to help prevent damage. Here are different ways to be ready when bad weather hits:
- Check your roof and identify any problem areas such as missing shingles, leaks, and loose siding. Make sure your house has a good chance to withstand a heavy
windstorm and pieces won’t easily be ripped off. - Choose mulch rather than rock or gravel when landscaping your yard so when a storm occurs it won’t do any damage.
- Keep trees and shrubbery maintained in your yard by either trimming or cutting trees down. Be sure to look out for any dead or weak limbs that could potentially fall or break in a storm.
- Clean and check gutters. Make sure gutters are tightened down so they won’t be torn off in a storm and cause damage. Protect your basement from flooding by repositioning downspouts away from your house.
- Protect the inside of your home by making sure top-heavy furniture pieces are securely fastened to the wall.
Take action and prevent extra damage to your home by simply maintaining the condition of its exterior.
Rain boots and a rain jacket are good to have if you are a child splashing in puddles. However, it’ll take more than even an umbrella to withstand all that nature brings
during the spring season. A child may look to their parent for protection when a thunderstorm strikes but it’ll take a smart parent to know their child is truly protected when precautions had been made prior to the storm. Spring is a beautiful time of year and can truly be captivating and breathtaking as colors come to life, but when storms lurk on the horizon, being prepared will help you rest easy and truly enjoy the sense of rejuvenation that spring can bring. Don’t be caught off guard or surprised by an unpredictable storm, in fact, take the surprise factor out by simply being prepared for what may come. But, if the spring showers do lead to water damage, call on AWR Restoration & Cleaning, and we will be there to remedy the situation.
