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.

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