Be Weather Ready

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane Ida has wreaked havoc on Louisiana. Experts are calling this storm one of the most powerful to ever hit the U.S. as it knocked out power to all of New Orleans and a total of 1 million people. Roofs were blown off of many buildings and even the flow of the Mississippi River was reversed. So far there has been one fatality from this storm and our SERVPRO of Richmond and SERVPRO of Henrico team is thinking of all those affected by this horrific natural disaster.

With this storm in mind, it’s important to remind everyone of the importance of preparing for heavy winds and rains. According to Weather.gov, here is what you can do to be weather ready:

• Check the Weather: Check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for severe weather. Listen to local news to stay informed about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings.
• Sign Up for Notifications: download the local apps on your phone to be notified in case of emergency and to follow instructions.
• Make a Plan: Make sure your family knows where to meet in case of an emergency. Pick a safe room with no windows in your home such as a basement or a low level of the home.
• Practice Your Plan: Run drills with your family to practice what to do when bad weather is approaching. Don't forget pets if time allows.
• Prepare Your Home: Clear out your gutters and keep trees and branches trimmed near your house. Secure loose objects outdoors and make sure windows and doors are sealed properly.
• Help Your Neighbor: check in on your neighbors, especially ones who live alone or who are elderly. Make grocery runs for them or help secure their home for the storm.