Tips: Staying Safe During Severe Weather

  • Jul 25, 2007

Communication is key to staying safe during severe weather threats. With some simple preparation and the proper supplies, families will be able to keep in contact and stay aware of the latest weather developments during an emergency.

"Creating an emergency communication plan is simple. First, families should discuss how they will communicate during an emergency and then record important plan information on their emergency communication cards," said Home Safety Council president Meri-K Appy. "Making sure every family member has this information at his or her fingertips can be a lifesaver if you're in different places when disaster strikes."

To prepare for emergencies, HSC strongly recommends having a corded landline phone, which is a phone that does not require electricity.

"Corded landline phones will continue to operate if the power goes out at your home," said Appy. "It is often the most reliable source of communication in an emergency."

To stay safe during severe weather, HSC and EMBARQ recommend the following:

  • Compile a "Ready-to-Go kit" for when your family needs to leave your home and a "Ready-to-Stay kit" when your family needs to stay inside your home for extended periods of time. Kits should contain water, canned food, can-opener, flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, change of clothes and first-aid supplies.
  • Designate a safe meeting location outside of your home and out of harm's way.
  • Designate a safe place to stay in your home (away from windows) in case of severe weather.
  • Plan and practice a severe weather evacuation drill.
  • Test your communications contact numbers to be sure the numbers are still valid.
  • Keep a corded landline phone in your home.
  • Teach your children how to use the phone to call for help.
  • Update your cell phone with "In Case of Emergency" (ICE) contact information.

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.