With the rainy season in full swing, it’s important to know the best ways to stay safe. This condensed rainy season survival guide for homeowners discusses three top tips to keep your family safe during torrential downpours.
Safety Guidelines
You should be aware of a few different storm scenarios to avoid unnecessary accidents or injuries.
Lightning
Stay off the phone, as even cordless phones can cause shocks. Because water and metal are both conductors, you should avoid showers, washing your hands, or using any sort of water fixture. Keep far away from windows as well.
Wind
If there are strong winds or a squall line, you should also keep away from windows and stay close to the center of the home. If your home is near trees or powerlines, try and go to the opposite end of your home. Remember to consider where the wind is blowing, as that will likely be the direction an object will fall.
Floods
If your home is built to code, flooding may not be a significant risk, but you should still have an escape route in place in case the home does flood. Do not drive during floods under any circumstances. Your car can become trapped and swept away. You should keep an eye on any storms that take place in areas that are uphill from your home. Runoff can quickly go downhill and cause flooding.
Protect Your Home
Your home is your best protector against the elements. There are a few ways to make sure your home stays in one piece so that it can continue sheltering you.
Tie down any furniture or loose objects or keep them inside. Have a professional strap down your roof using straps and clasps that minimize damage. Cover your windows and make sure they are properly caulked. Trim any trees around your house; tree branches will come off long before the tree itself falls.
Protect Your Family
Worst-case scenarios don’t often occur, but it’s essential to keep them in mind.
Your Home Floods
If your home does flood, you may be trapped inside for a few days. It’s essential to keep any stored food safe from flooding to ensure supplies aren’t wasted. You may also want to purchase an off-grid water filtration system. Buy waterproof coveralls or tie multiple plastic bags high on your legs to ensure you remain dry.
You Lose Power
Generators, candles, and flashlights can provide light during an outage. You can use your phone light in the worst-case scenario. Ensure you have food that doesn’t require refrigeration and fill a clean bathtub with water.
Your Home Gets Hit
If strong winds or a tornado hits, make sure you are at the center of your home and away from windows. Hiding in a bathtub or closet while covered in pillows or mattresses can protect you from debris.
Hopefully, this rainy season survival guide for homeowners helps keep you and your loved ones safe. It’s never too early to start preparing, so start talking to your family about how you can stay protected.
