This time of year, it’s especially important to be on alert for severe weather. As the weather warms, it’s not uncommon to experience rain, lightning, flooding, high winds and even the occasional tornado or hail storm.

With thunderstorms in the forecast and hurricane season on the horizon, we urge you to keep these safety tips in mind and prepare for hazardous weather today.

• Create an emergency kit. Storms can pop up with little notice, so it’s best to always be prepared. Create an emergency kit that can be easily accessed with essential supplies for you and your family. This kit may become very important if you have to evacuate for any reason. Check out our list of items to include in your emergency kit.

• Make a family emergency plan. You may not be with your family when bad weather strikes, so it’s important that you have a plan to follow in the event of an emergency. Your family emergency plan should address issues such as where to meet, what evacuation routes to take, emergency contacts and responsibilities for each person. 

• Know the difference between a watch and a warning. During a watch, conditions are favorable for severe weather. You should keep an eye on the weather and be prepared to act if conditions escalate. During a warning, severe weather is already occurring or is imminent. You should take the necessary precautions to stay safe.

• Pick up. Before a storm hits, make sure to clean up your yard and secure anything that might fly around and cause damage during high winds. Remove dead or rotting trees that could fall and cause damage or injury. 

• When you see lighting, get inside. Lightning is the most powerful form of electricity and it’s always looking for a way to get to the ground. It’s typically attracted to trees and buildings, but it can also strike people who are out in a storm. When you see lighting, it’s best to get inside the nearest building and keep away from windows and doors.

• If you can’t reach a building, get in a hard top vehicle. It’s a myth that rubber soled shoes or tires will protect you during a lighting strike. However, the metal frame of a car can increase your protection. Being inside the vehicle is much safer than being outside when lightning strikes.

• Unplug electronics. Electronic equipment such as TVs, DVD players, stereos and computers can be damaged during a thunderstorm. If lightning strikes your home, it could burn up expensive electrical appliances and equipment that are still left plugged in.

• Remember to steer clear of power lines. High winds, lightning and even car accidents during a storm could cause a power line to fall down. All down power lines should be considered live and dangerous. We ask that you keep away from them and call us immediately. (It’s also a good idea to know what to do if your car crashes into a pole.)