Storm season has made its way to the Midwest. Is your home prepared for the unexpected? Be sure your home and family are prepared for severe thunderstorms, floods and even tornadoes. Preparing now can help you prevent big problems from happening. That is why the ServiceOne experts want to share this storm safety advice.
Create a family plan.
It is essential that family members know what to do in certain forms of storms. The Storm and Damage Center states it is necessary for you to create a family plan. Start by finding a safe area where the whole family can meet if you are separated. Do not just share this with your family members in your home, tell out-of-state relatives. That way if they need to reach out, they know where to locate you.
Learn what to do and avoid for each storm.
You would probably not do the same thing for a thunderstorm than what you would do for a tornado. These some of the storm safety actions your family should take in each storm.
Severe thunderstorms
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Take shelter immediately in a location away from windows.
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Avoid going outdoors because you could get struck by lightning.
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Avoid using any electrical devices like telephones.
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Use battery powered TVs and radios instead.
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Do not take a bath, shower and avoiding using plumbing.
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If you are driving, pull over and let the storm pass. Avoid touching any metal surfaces.
Tornadoes
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Locate a safe area. Choose a location on the lowest floor of your home with no windows like a basement, storm cellar or interior room.
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If you live in a mobile home, find a sturdy building!
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Watch for tornado signs. Look for dark, greenish clouds and wall clouds.
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If you are outside, find a shelter in a building and stay away from bridges and highway overpasses.
Flooding
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Turn off water and electricity until officials say it is safe.
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Boil all water until officials say it is safe to drink.
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Do not contact flooded water.
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Do not use gas or electrical appliances that have been flooded.
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Do not consume food that has come in contact with flood water.
Have your sump pump inspected.
In case of heavy rains that could result in flash flooding, you should get your home’s sump pump inspected. Have a plumbing professional come in and inspect that your sump pump is working properly will water from making its way into your home.
Prepare for electrical outages.
You never know if a storm will take out power from your home. You should be prepared for power outages by having flashlights, battery-powered radios and batteries. Candles and matches should also be on your list. There are also generators that will keep your home powered in case of an emergency.
Protect your outdoor A/C unit.
When there is a storm with high and heavy winds, it could be a problem for your home’s air conditioning. One way you can prevent this is by covering your outdoor A/C unit. Be sure to remove the cover the unit when the storm passes. After a significant storm, is sure to get your unit inspected by an HVAC specialist.
If you need any help with these storm safety steps like getting your generators, inspecting your sump pump and A/C unit, contact the ServiceOne professionals.
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With our team of qualified, courteous ServiceOne air conditioning professionals, we will keep your home or business comfortable year-round! For over 25 years, ServiceOne has been trusted to provide top-notch sales and service to homes and businesses in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro area and in Dubuque, Iowa. With over 90 employees standing by ready to help, you can always trust us to deliver 100% satisfactory service. We also offer home warranty & service agreements, plumbing services, electrical services, appliance repair, and help with generators and home and business automation. For more information about our services, contact us today!