A storm coming?
You have to prepare for it, but for that you have to have the right reflexes.
To avoid panicking, we share with you all the safety tips you need to protect yourself in the event of a storm.
General precautions in case of storm
Preparing well for the arrival of a storm cannot be improvised.
There are a multitude of things to anticipate to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones.
Stay informed and listen to the authorities.
During the storm, it is important to listen to local authorities.
These will broadcast messages and safety instructions that you must follow and will also keep you informed of changes in weather conditions.
Precautions to take may vary depending on the severity of the storm, but it is important to always follow them.
The ideal is to have a battery-powered radio to receive emergency alerts and instructions, especially in the event of an evacuation, and even in the event of power outages.
Protect your home and don't go out.
In the event of a storm, the most important thing is to avoid outdoor travel as much as possible and stay safe inside your home.
However, your home must become a safe place and a real shield.
To do this, several elements must be checked, such as the solidity of the roof and openings, such as windows and doors.
You must close everything and move away from the windows, because in strong winds there is a risk of breakage and flying broken glass.
It is also recommended to turn off the electricity and turn off all electronic devices to prevent the risk of fire in the event of a short circuit.
In addition, follow the instructions for using space heaters to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Tie objects securely outside.
Garden furniture, decorative elements, flower pots or fences must be securely attached.
This will prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.
Bring an emergency kit and your charged smartphone
Now that you are well protected at home, you should also think about preparing everything you need to spend several hours or days at home without going out.
To do this, pack an emergency kit with bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, warm clothes, blankets and your important documents.
Try to always have your cell phone charged, but only use it in an emergency to leave lines available for emergency services.
Although it is not advisable to go out during storms, if you are in a risk area you may be forced to travel to evacuation centers.
In this case, you will need to check that your car has fuel, that it is in working order and that you have an emergency kit inside your vehicle.
Evacuation plans
In the event of a storm, local authorities, weather services, firefighters and other emergency services will put evacuation plans in place.
The information will come through SMS alerts, public announcements, sirens or even local media.
Instructions vary depending on the severity of the storm, but also the geographic characteristics of the region.
Utilities may be temporarily shut off to facilitate implementation of the evacuation plan.
Here are some general items that are typically included in an escape plan:
Identification of risk areas.
Local authorities identify areas at risk in the event of a storm, such as flood zones or coastal areas that are more likely to be affected by storm waves.
If this concerns you, you will need to be doubly vigilant and consider moving to evacuation centers.
Evacuation routes.
Evacuation plans usually include specific routes to take to leave a risk area.
These are pre-established and signposted to prevent traffic jams, confusion and panic among populations.
Residents can exit risk areas in an orderly and efficient manner, minimizing the risk of accidents and road blockages.
This also allows rescue teams to do their work.
Evacuation centers.
The competent authorities provide evacuation centers where residents can go if necessary.
These are temporary shelters that provide basic supplies and medical services.
However, the quantities of equipment and food are limited, especially in the event of a mass evacuation.
So, consider bringing a sleeping bag or air mattress to stay with a minimum of comfort.
People with specific medical needs should make arrangements and bring their medications, medical records and emergency contacts.
Animals are not forgotten and some evacuation centers can accommodate them.
Otherwise, animal shelters will be indicated in the evacuation plan.
Emergency transportation.
In some cases, emergency transportation can be arranged to help people who cannot evacuate on their own, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, or those who do not have a vehicle.
What are the essential emergency resources to have in the event of a storm?
To weather a storm, you must be able to live independently for a certain period of time.
So, you need to have some emergency resources at home to ensure your safety and well-being during the storm.
Basic kits and important documents.
Bottled water and non-perishable food are essential to fuel and hydrate you.
If you have pets, you should also provide food for them.
Then you need to have hygiene products, flashlights, batteries, blankets, warm clothes, medicines and basic medical supplies.
Finally, always keep a copy of your personal and important documents in a safe place: passports, identity cards, insurance contracts, etc.
Home equipment.
Camping lamps and candles are particularly handy in the event of a power outage.
You can also have an electric generator in the event of prolonged outages.
Boards to protect windows or sandbags in case of flooding may also be necessary.
You can also equip yourself with life jackets, protective helmets and cutting tools.
Communication equipment.
To stay in touch with the outside world, especially with weather and emergency services, battery-powered or hand-crank radios are very useful, as they operate without an external power supply.
Also, do not hesitate to download certain weather applications on your mobile that update information in real time about the storm.
Try to keep your cell phone charged as long as possible and have an extra external battery on hand.
A two-way radio or also called a walkie-talkie will allow you to communicate with your loved ones, provided that the distances between you are not too great.
But, it is useful in case of loss of cellular network.
Information in case of evacuation.
You need to know all the information related to evacuation and useful documents such as road maps of your area, predefined emergency routes and locations of evacuation centers.
By preparing these resources in advance, you will be better equipped to deal with a storm and its possible consequences.
If you are in a risk area, be sure to update them regularly based on your needs and changing weather conditions.