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

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 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.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.