As the effects of the climate crisis begin to rear their head around the world, there have been an increasing number of extreme weather instances. Whether it is flooding, wildfires, draughts or extreme wind, there are several different types of freak weather conditions to be aware of.
Freak weather conditions can be unexpected and often dangerous, so it’s critical to know how to protect yourself and your loved ones. Not only this, but it may help you safeguard your home, prevent any irreplaceable data or possessions being lost, and ensure you are financially guarded against any sudden weather event.
Here are some top tips for staying safe in freak weather conditions:
Educate yourself on evolving weather patterns
The first step towards protecting you and your family from freak weather events is to educate yourself on the various weather conditions that can spring themselves upon you and how you can best protect yourself from them. Understanding why these freak events occur will help you understand why living in certain areas is riskier than others, and what to do if a freak weather event hits your town. For example, you could learn about how when rivers burst their banks, flooding occurs, or how dry wood in hot weather can trigger forest fires.
It’s crucial to have access to reliable sources of weather information so you can stay up to date on any severe weather warnings or alerts in your area. This can help you make informed decisions about your safety and the safety of your loved ones. You could potentially subscribe to your local news station alerts or downloading a weather app that provides real-time updates.
Have an emergency plan
It’s crucial to have a plan in place in severe weather. It gives you a clear checklist to tick off, so you know exactly what to do and when. It will prevent any confusion, panic or fear from welling up in the moment, and keep you focused on protecting you and your loved ones.
The plan should include a designated shelter, an evacuation route, and a communication plan to stay in touch with loved ones. Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of severe weather and practices the emergency plan regularly.
Stay out of reach of the weather
Staying inside during severe weather is one of the best actions you can take to protect yourself from freak weather events. If you need to go outside, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and avoid being outside for extended periods.
If you are inside during a severe storm, stay away from windows to avoid being hit by flying debris. If possible, seek shelter in a room without windows or interior with no exterior walls. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, and if the structure of your property is compromised, then it is time to leave.
Unplug electrical appliances
If you are concerned about a power outage, unplug any non-essential appliances to prevent a potential surge when the power is restored. This can protect your appliances and electronics from damage.
Keep an emergency kit and supplies
It’s a good idea to have an emergency kit on hand in case of severe weather. This should include bottled water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and a battery-powered radio.
Make sure to check and restock your emergency kit regularly, and consider adding additional supplies based on your specific needs and location.
Protect your home
If you cannot evacuate, take steps to protect your home from the elements. This may include installing storm shutters, reinforcing windows and doors, and securing loose objects in your yard. Ensure your home is well-insulated and has a backup power source, such as a generator, in case of a power outage.
Know your evacuation route
If you need to evacuate, ensure you know your evacuation route. This will help you get to safety quickly and efficiently. Plan multiple routes in case one is blocked by debris or flooding.
What’s more, if you or someone you are with is injured during severe weather, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kit and know how to use it in an emergency.
Avoid floodwaters
Avoid driving through or walking through floodwaters if you are in an area prone to flooding.
Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet, and one foot of water can sweep your car away. If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternate route.
