Don’t Let Severe Weather Take You by Surprise
Our area is known as the Piedmont Region with abundant forests, which means trees – lots of them. Our biggest concern during storm season is trees and limbs down, which can wreak havoc on our community – downing power lines, damaging homes, vehicles, and most importantly, dangerous situations for us.
Preparations Before Severe Weather
Walk your property. A chain saw and tree pruner can remove any weak limbs or diseased or rotting trees. Always consult a professional if you are uncomfortable or inexperienced with tree removal. Keep extra chain saw chains, fuel, and blade sharpeners on hand. These items sell out fast when storms are predicted.
If warned of hurricane-strength winds, you might want to purchase plywood and secure windows. “Don’t tape your windows,” according to the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Taping your windows does not make them stronger and could cause more prominent and more deadly broken glass pieces.
Tarps can be your friend on troubled roofs to add an extra layer of protection. Consider tarping and securing outdoor sheds or even your vehicles to prevent scratching from debris. You’ll want some cord and straps to help secure items.
Clean gutters to prevent water damage. Many STIHL blowers come with optional gutter–cleaning attachments, and we also carry gutter filters at our Crozet location. Visit us at Cardinal Home Center for the complete line.
If your home has a potential for flooding, fill sandbags with sand and place them tightly against one another to form a low-lying wall in troubled areas. When correctly filled and placed, sandbags can redirect water and debris to flow away from your property.
Need a generator? It can be an excellent ally when the power goes down. There are all sizes, but one that can keep food cold and minimum lights powered is a huge asset. Generators burn fuel quickly, so predict your needs and save a few extra fuel containers on hand.
Flashlights and batteries are a no-brainer, especially for the kids to feel secure right away, if power quits during the night.
Fill your bathtub with water and keep plenty of bottled water on hand. Stores are typically out of supplies as soon as a storm warning occurs, and best to have what you need without the added stress.
During the storm
Keep in touch with radios, and if warnings should occur for tornadoes or high winds, take shelter in an inner room without windows or your basement if you have one. Our Milwaukee battery-operated radio has two USB ports that can keep electronics charged. Stay away from windows, even if they are protected. Keep pets inside – they will need your comfort. And many Stihl battery-operated tools have USB ports as well, so you can charge electronics if the power goes out.
After the storm
When you venture outside after a storm, make sure you look up! Limbs may be stuck in the trees and may still fall, causing injuries. Trees are root-soaked and may still fall. Stay away from any lines that are down, and notify your electric company ASAP. Most injuries occur after the storm when people are trying to clean up. Lawn and Leaf trash bags come in handy picking up trash and debris. Make sure to wear gloves. Little critters such as snakes and spiders tend to be displaced during a storm and seek new habitats.
Hopefully, nature will decide to go easy on us this season. But advanced preparation may give you and your family peace of mind and added safety if a storm does occur. Count on Cardinal for your severe weather prep, and visit our three locations for expert advice!
