Unpredictable Spring Weather, Are You Prepared? | SERVPRO® of Buffalo/Tonawanda Can Help!

4/19/2019 (Permalink)

Finally! Spring is showing itself! We can now enjoy that weather…but we must also buckle up for whatever Mother Nature may choose to throw at us.

Thunderstorms in the Spring

Spring brings longer days and more sunshine, but it also brings the threat of severe weather throughout the country. It’s dealer’s choice this time of year, which means the weather may change at moment’s notice.

The changing weather is caused by the unstable temperatures that can go from warm to cold even in the same day. That temperature change can result in extreme weather changes as well.

Thunderstorms are often common throughout spring and are the main cause of severe weather. A thunderstorm can occur whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, which is most common in the spring and summer.

Severe thunderstorms were the most common and costliest natural catastrophe losses in the U.S. for 2017. Out of 50 events, there were 85 fatalities and an estimated total of $25.4 billion in overall losses.

The threat of flooding, high winds and even tornadoes can result from these storms if the conditions are right. It has been found that in modern history, 10% of all violent tornadoes have occurred in March, with April, May and June.

Best to Be Prepared

Even though we may not be able to predict the weather with 100% accuracy, forecasters have the tools available to at least give us an idea of severe weather that could be coming. Advanced warnings, along with the right preparation, can greatly improve overall safety for your family.

Here are some things you can do to your home to prepare for the chance of severe weather:

1. Clear out your home’s gutters, drains and downspouts.
2. Trim trees of precarious limbs or branches that could break off in a storm.
3. Secure or store outdoor belongings if severe weather is in the forecast.

Having an emergency kit on hand is always advised. Your emergency kit should include the following:

• Battery-operated flashlight and NOAA weather radio, with extra batteries for both
• Emergency evacuation or shelter plans
• Important personal info, like telephone numbers of neighbors, family and friends, insurance and property info, numbers for the utility companies, and medical info
• A first aid kit with things like non-latex gloves, adhesive bandages, tweezers, sterile gauze pads, aspirin packets, adhesive cloth tape and scissors
• 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets or sleeping bag

Despite its unpredictability, there is one thing that always remains true of the spring weather season: It always happens. If your home or business is damaged in a storm, you can depend on SERVPRO® of Buffalo/Tonawanda to get the cleanup and restoration process started fast.