Alert! Staying Informed During Spring Storm Season | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
3/15/2024 (Permalink)
The temperature is rising, the days are getting longer and the flowers are about to bloom once more! There’s no doubt about it, spring is on the way. That also means that severe storms are going to start popping back up in the south, so we all need to stay vigilant so we can stay safe.
Are your alert systems ready to go? Our team explains some easy ways of staying informed during severe weather season, so read on to gather some great insight and ideas.
Where is your phone right now? In your hand or sitting next to your computer? We all have our devices so easily accessible, which is part of what makes them so useful in emergency situations.
Did you know that the Wireless Emergency Alert system is already programmed into your phone and can automatically issue weather alerts if needed? Just be sure to check your notifications and have them turned on. In addition, various weather apps can (and should) be downloaded so you can check the forecast daily and even more often when poor weather is on the horizon.
That being said, use caution when it comes to choosing which weather apps to trust. Not every app is created solely for informational purposes and some of them tend to inflate or over exaggerate the forecast for engagement purposes.
Be sure to download apps from national or locally trusted sources. If you live in Faulkner County, sign up for Code Red Weather Alerts. If you live in Conway County, check out the county’s website for helpful sheltering information.
The TV and local news stations can be really helpful as well! Local anchors track weather systems as they move across our counties, and you can watch the progression in real time. This is also an advantage because you will be notified immediately when it is time to take shelter.
While having your phone nearby is a necessity, you should also have at least one backup alert system that will work even if we were to lose power unexpectedly. Your phone and your laptop will only work while your batteries are charged, and your TV will immediately be rendered useless. Because of that, having a system in place that will work regardless if the lights are on is crucial to your safety.
Weather sirens positioned around town can be a great way to stay informed. Take the time during the next siren test to walk around your home and determine if you can hear the siren from each space.
You should also consider researching and purchasing an NOAA weather radio. Weather radios are portable and compact, which means you can take them with you wherever you go. They also operate without the need for power via either hand-crank capabilities or by solar power, which makes them a really reliable way of staying informed no matter your situation.
Feeling prepared? Knowing what to expect is half the battle, but the other half is weathering through the storms as they pass over us. If your home suffers from any sort of damage, call us immediately so we can tackle your repairs and restoration.
Serious storms can cause serious property damage. Call SERVPRO® 24⁄7 for immediate restoration assistance.