NWH_Storm Preparedness_041622

NORTHWEST HERALD Saturday, April 16, 2022

STORM PREPAREDNESS

• Items to include in a disaster supplies kit

• Be safe when lightning strikes during peak storm season • How to prepare for an extended power outage

NWH

• Insurance protection for emergency situations • And more!

Shaw Media • April 2022

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Understanding weather emergencies Hurricanes Hurricanes are destructive and dangerous storms that may be referred to as “cyclones” and “typhoons” in other parts of the world. These storms cause high winds, flooding, heavy rain, and tidal surges. Unlike some other storms, hurricanes can be tracked for days prior to making landfall. That means people have ample time to take the necessary steps to stay safe when they’re in the path of a hurricane.

(Metro Creative Connection) Weather emergencies can happen at any time of year and in any part of the world. Learning to recognize the most common weather hazards can help people confront adverse weather situations more capably.

High temperatures High temperatures are experienced during the summer in many parts of the world. Heat waves occur when high temperatures stick around for two or more days, advises the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. To qualify as a heat wave, temperatures have to exceed the historical averages for a given area. High-pressure systems trap air in one place as it warms, leading to a heat wave. While heat waves may not seem especially dangerous, the NOAA says they kill more people than all other weather-related disasters combined.

Floods A flood is a major weather hazard that is caused by heavy rainfall over a given area in a short period of time. During a flood, water does not drain quickly enough. Flooding occurs rather suddenly

and has the potential to cause loss of life and property damage. Raging torrents of water can form and rip through anything in their path, states the National Weather Service. Flooding is dangerous while it is happening, but also afterwards, as live wires, waste and debris can pose their own hazards.

Tornadoes Tornadoes form a concentrated, highly volatile and rapidly rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the Earth and a cloud. National Geographic says their winds may top 250 miles per hour and affect pathways up to a mile wide and 50 miles long. Tornadoes have been reported in various countries, but are most often seen in the United States.

Additional weather hazards include earthquakes, blizzards, wildfires, mudslides, and even run-of-the-mill thunderstorms. Understanding storms can help people recognize the appropriate measures they can take to stay safe should they find themselves in the line of an adverse weather event.

Individual needs should inform emergency plans (Metro Creative Connection) - Storms, natural disasters and other emergency situations are unpredictable. Planning for the unpredictable is no small task, but emergency response professionals and public health agencies emphasize the importance of having a plan in place should disaster strike.

The National Centers for Environmental Information reported there were a record 22 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters across the United States in 2020. That shattered the previous annual record and led to $95 billion in damages, marking a bookend to a five-year period between 2016 and 2020 that saw the total cost of a billion-dollar disasters exceed $600 billion. Such figures illustrate that while the disasters themselves may be unpredictable, it’s not hard to conclude that they’re going to come and they’re going to be costly.

When planning for disasters, families are urged to consider the specific needs of each person in their household. Ready.gov, a disaster preparedness public service campaign sponsored by the U.S. government, urges families to keep the following factors in mind as they prepare disaster response plans for their households.

• Ages of members within your household: The ages of individuals within the household merit consideration. Young children or seniors may not be able to navigate the household in emergency

situations, and it may take longer for heads of household to get everyone out if some people need assistance. Emergency plans can be altered as children grow older and can take on more responsibility.

• Responsibilities for assisting others: Assign older children and adults specific responsibilities if anyone in the household will require assistance. For example, adolescents can help a live-in grandparent get out of the house.

• Locations frequented: Defining the locations household members frequent can make it easier to find everyone in the case of emergency.

• Dietary needs: Document the unique dietary needs, including food allergies, of each person in the household so no one has an adverse reaction to food during or after evacuating.

• Medical needs: Document each individual’s medical needs, including their prescriptions and any equipment they need.

• Disabilities: Include individual’s disabilitiesrelated needs or access and functional needs, including devices and equipment.

• Languages spoken: This information can help emergency response personnel communicate with anyone who does not speak the native tongue.

• Cultural and religious considerations: Docu-

ment individuals’ cultural and religious considerations so anyone trying to help them can do so while respecting their beliefs.

• Pets or service animals: Emergency assistance shelters admit only service animals, so anyone traveling with animals will need to provide proof that the animal is recognized as a service animal. Families should plan ahead and arrange for housing for pets in the case they have to evacuate their homes.

No two families are the same, so it’s a must that disaster preparedness plans take each individual’s needs into consideration.

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(Metro Creative Connection) - Emergencies, especially storms, can be unpredictable and cause personal injury and costly damage to homes.

The right insurance is essential to help mitigate damage from storms and soften the financial blow that such destruction can cause. Not all insurance is the same, and additional policies and riders may help reduce the impact of emergencies.

Homeowners insurance Standard homeowners insurance policies will cover a wide range of issues. American Family Insurance says damage from wildfires, wind storms, tornadoes, ice storms, lightning strikes, hail, power surges, and fallen trees is included.

But additional coverage may be needed to cover excessive damage.

Matching siding coverage Some homeowners may want to replace all of the siding on their homes if parts are damaged and color or siding materials cannot be matched exactly by patching up damaged areas.

Roof replacement insurance This insurance will be used to pay for the full re-

placement of a roof, minus the deductible, which may differ from what’s covered through standard homeowners policies.

Shaw Media • April 2022

Insurance protection for emergency situations

Umbrella insurance According to Geico, umbrella insurance is extra insurance that provides protection that goes beyond limitations and coverage of other policies.

It can offer coverage for injuries to people staying at your house or renting your property, property damage, personal liability, and certain lawsuits.

Sump pump overflow insurance Sump pumps are designed to engage and pump water out of basements and crawl spaces, helping to avoid flooding in the home. If the power goes out and the sump pump cannot work, Renters insurance or if the sump pump fails, homeowners typically Renters insurance protects renters, yet the are not covered for any ensuing damage. Sump Independent Insurance Adjusters & Brokers of pump overflow insurance provides additional America says almost two-thirds of residential peace of mind and protection. lessees in the United States do not carry renters insurance. Renters insurance can protect belongFlood insurance ings destroyed in a fire or weather event; provide Homeowners insurance may not cover flood assistance should someone be injured in your damage, especially if a home is in a flood zone. apartment; or it can protect you if you were found Flood insurance can bridge the gap of coverlegally responsible for damages to someone’s age. The National Flood Insurance Program property, according to State Farm Insurance. offers building coverage and contents coverage policies. Building coverage will cover carpeting, Many types of insurance can offer various levels electrical and plumbing systems, window blinds, of protection in emergency situations. An insurfoundation walls, and more. Contents coverage ance representative can walk interested parties protects curtains, personal clothing and furniture, through the policies available to customize an artwork, and appliances, among other things. insurance package that will offer sufficient protection against emergencies.

Shaw Media • April 2022

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How to prepare for an EXTENDED power outage (Metro Creative Connection) - Planning ahead can help make adverse situations more manageable. Such is the case when storms strike and the power goes out. Extended power outages may not be pleasant, but some proactive planning can make it easier to withstand blackouts.

• Establish a local support network. Support can be just as valuable as supplies when confronting power outages. The American Red Cross urges individuals to identify people who can help them during an extended power outage. Such individuals may help you stay at home or evacuate if the power will be out for a lengthy period of time. Support networks can include relatives who live in nearby towns, but also neighbors. A single street can be served by different substations and main power lines, so friends or neighbor across the street may keep their power when your house does not, or vice versa. When the power goes out, support networks can pool their resources in various ways, including sharing refrigerators or allowing neighbors without power to access the internet. Such support makes it easier for

everyone to get through the outage with as little interruption to their lives as possible.

• Print a list of important contacts. If the power is out, it’s only a matter of time before smartphones lose their battery power. Phones can always be plugged into vehicles to get a quick power boost, but that’s not the most practical way to keep phones charged, especially if local roads are closed. A printed list of important contacts, including nearby relatives like seniors who may be incapacitated, doctors and school officials, ensures people whose phone batteries have died can still contact their loved ones and other important individuals so long as they can use a neighbor’s or a loved one’s phone.

• Learn to use your generator. Consumer Reports notes that improper operation of a generator can quickly prove deadly. If carbon monoxide concentrations are too high, individuals can lose their lives in as little as five minutes. And this is no insignificant threat, as the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 95 people died from generator-associated carbon monoxide

poisoning in 2017. CR recommends operating generators at least 20 feet away from the house.

Individuals should familiarize themselves with their generators upon purchasing them so they aren’t forced to endure a trial by fire when the power goes out.

• Stock up on essentials. The Red Cross recommends keeping a two-week supply of nonperishable food and water in the house, making sure to date each container of water and replace it every six months. Keep some extra coolers in the house so food can be stored on ice before it spoils in the refrigerator or freezer. In addition, make sure there’s enough blankets in the house to keep everyone warm overnight, as it’s not safe to use outdoor heaters indoors. Stock up on battery-powered lights and candles to light the house at night, but make sure all candles are extinguished before going to bed.

Extended power outages can be a nuisance.

Planning for such outages in advance can make blackouts more manageable.

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• Find hidden damage: Remediation companies know how to uncover issues such as weakened structures, smoke damage and water damage that is not visible to the naked eye. Hidden dangers can include hazardous materials produced by the disaster or damage that can adversely affect residents’ health.

• Address mold growth: Flooding or hose water used to extinguish a fire can leave behind conditions that are ripe for mold growth.

Mold growth can occur in as little as 48 hours after damage occurs, indicates Tidal Wave Response. Professional restoration companies have the equipment to dry out and clean building materials in the home to reduce or eliminate the risks of mold growth.

• Employ the latest technology: The

Shaw Media • April 2022

(Metro Creative Connection) - No home is impervious to damage — whether from natural weather phenomena or incidents that occur as byproducts of daily life. Floods, fires, earthquakes, and other events can cause immediate damage to a home, though some damage occurs more gradually.

Repairing a home becomes a priority after a disaster when authorities have deemed it safe to reenter the property. The extent of disasterrelated damage is often beyond the scope of a homeowner’s abilities. In such instances, disaster remediation firms can protect homeowners from additional dangers, and may help them save money in the long run. Here’s a look at the type of benefits such firms can provide.

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Why hire a disaster restoration service?

wrong tools can not only slow down progress, they can make work less safe. Disaster remediation firms use the latest equipment when restoring properties. Certain equipment is tailor-made to address issues that often arise after natural disasters. Such equipment may prove too costly for DIYers, but its use can make the difference between a quick cleanup and a lengthy project.

• Necessary training: Disaster restoration companies may require staff to stay up-todate with the latest techniques. Such an education can help reduce the likelihood of accident or injury during the restoration.

Homeowners often benefit from hiring remediation and restoration firms to clean up after properties have been damaged.

Shaw Media • April 2022

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Items to include in a disaster supplies kit (Metro Creative Connection) - Previous natural disasters have shown everyone how unpredictable the fallout from storms and other weather events can be. For example, drone footage of areas ravaged by hurricanes or tornados often shows a few seemingly untouched homes in a sea of properties that were leveled or damaged beyond repair.

Such footage shows how much damage natural disasters can do and underscores the importance of preparation to surviving potentially deadly storms. In recognition of that importance, the American Red Cross advises everyone to prepare a disaster supplies kit that they can utilize should they need to evacuate their homes. The Red Cross recommends including the following items in the kit and storing them in an easy-to-carry container, such as a backpack or duffel bag.

• Water: Include one gallon of water per person per day and store it in sealed, unbreakable containers. Date each container and replace it every six months.

• Food: Maintain a supply of nonperishable packaged or canned food. Store a non-electric can opener with the food.

• Clothing: Include a change of clothing as well as rain gear and sturdy shoes.

• Sleeping essentials: Pack a blanket or sleeping bag for each member of the family.

• First aid kid and prescription medications: If necessary, individuals can speak with their physi-

cians in advance of their region’s storm season to request their prescriptions are updated so they can more easily get their medicine should they run out while they are away from home.

• Eyeglasses: Pack an extra pair of eyeglasses should an existing pair be lost or broken while away from home.

• Battery-powered electronics: Pack a batterypowered radio and flashlight and plenty of extra

batteries as well.

• Extra set of car keys • Medical lists: Include a list of family physicians for each individual in the supply kit. In addition, document the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers.

Disaster supplies kits can help individuals and their families safely navigate the initial aftermath of potentially deadly storms.

T H E D IFFE RENCES BETW EEN weather warnings and watches (Metro Creative Connection) - Animals, particularly household pets, are selflessWeather is hard to predict. Meteorologists have many tools at their disposal to help forecast storms and other phenomena, but it is impossible to predict the weather with 100 percent accuracy.

When the weather takes a turn for the worse, the National Weather Service may issue certain notices to prepare the public. Understanding the level of threat a notice carries can help people take appropriate action and avoid serious consequences.

The NWS uses a four-tier system to alert the public of hazards. Here’s a closer look at what each tier constitutes.

Outlook This is the least serious weather alert. It usually means that hazardous weather may approach in the next three to seven days. The public should monitor the situation and stay tuned for further updates.

Advisory With an advisory, weather conditions are not overly serious but could prove inconvenient. Individuals should be cautious and prudent when preparing supplies or traveling.

Watch During a weather watch, there is an increased risk of a hazardous weather occurrence, though the timing or location is still uncertain. This is when it is essential to practice an evacuation or preparedness plan and stock up on any last-minute supplies.

Warning The most serious of the weather impact notifications, a warning constitutes an imminent or likely event. The weather may cause a threat to property or life. Immediate action to stay safe is necessary.

While these alerts are based on the severity of impending weather, it is important to note that the NWS will not necessarily follow the same timeline with issuing alerts. That depends on how fast a weather situation develops. If there is time, an advisory, then a watch and then a warning may be issued. However, if a storm moves in rapidly, only a warning may be issued. People always should pay attention to weather notices so they can be prepared should severe weather be in the forecast.

Shaw Media • April 2022

(Metro Creative Connection) - A change in seasons often brings about a change in the weather as well.

Seasons marked by increased humidity in the air and warmer temperatures often usher in afternoon or evening thunderstorms. With those thunderstorms come potentially dangerous lightning.

The National Weather Service says lightning strikes the United States roughly 25 million times a year, killing an average of 47 people each year. Worldwide, lighting kills as many as 2,000 people every year, states National Geographic. Even though the odds of being struck by lightning are low, certain factors put people at greater risk. Florida is considered the “lightning capital” of the United States, so residents of the Sunshine State should always exercise extreme caution upon seeing lightning.

Residents of Alabama, Colorado, North Carolina, and Texas also must be extra cautious when lightning strikes.

To stay safe, remember the mantra, “When thunder roars, go indoors.” In addition, the following precautionary measures can help people stay safe when lightning strikes.

• Postpone outdoor activities if the weather forecast calls for thunderstorms. You also can use the 30-30 rule.

After you see lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors. Suspend activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder, offers the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Avoid open areas outside. Do not be the tallest object in a field or area. Also, stay away from isolated tall trees, utility poles and towers.

• If no shelter is available, crouch low with as little of your body touching the ground as possible.

• Lightning can travel through indoor plumbing, so avoid using water during a thunderstorm. Similarly, lightning can travel through electrical systems, like phones, radios and television reception systems.

• A car can be a safe place to stay if no other nonconcrete shelter is available.

• Recognize that all thunderstorms produce lightning.

Just because you can’t see lightning doesn’t mean it’s not there.

• Get out of pools or other bodies of water. Water is an excellent conductor of lightning.

• The human body does not store electricity, says the Insurance Information Institute. Therefore, if a person is struck, you can safely offer first aid.

Lightning is no joke and never something to take lightly. Exercise caution whenever thunderstorms roll in or when they are forecasted.

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Be safe when lightning strikes during peak storm season

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Shaw Media • April 2022

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