With Hurricane Laura forecast in the area for tonight and tomorrow, it is a good time for homeowners to make sure they are ready to weather the storm.
Homeowners can protect themselves and their property with a few easy steps:
Proper planning can help save your family from injury and inconvenience when severe weather strikes. Prepare your family for severe winds by creating a disaster preparedness plan, including a disaster survival kit and an emergency evacuation plan.
Stay informed on the potential for severe winds.
Getting up-to-the-minute information is an important part of staying safe in any weather emergency.
- When severe weather threatens, tune in to a NOAA Weather Radio or battery-powered radio for updates.
- A high wind advisory means that sustained winds of over 25 miles per hour are predicted.
- Thunderstorm , tornado , and hurricane warnings should be taken very seriously, as they mean that severe weather has been spotted and is on its way.
Find shelter during severe weather.
- When severe winds occur, move to the middle of your home or basement, away from windows and glass doors.
- Try to take cover under a staircase or a heavy piece of furniture.
- Do not stay in a manufactured home during severe winds. They are easily overturned by high winds, and flying debris can puncture their light frames and exteriors.
- If you live an area prone to severe winds, you may want to build a safe room in your home. A safe room is an area of your home that has been reinforced to provide protection from broken glass and flying debris.
- An experienced contractor can build a safe room with a reinforced roof, walls, and ceilings in a new or existing home.
Wherever you seek shelter, be sure to bring your family disaster kit with you. More tips from State Farm.