Those 24-Hour news cycles reporting so often when dire storm conditions are forecast can become so overwhelming. Disregarding them however can be far more dangerous. If you’re not quite sure what various storm alerts truly mean, and how to prepare your home or business when the time is near for storm impact, this information can help. To stay knowledgeable and fully prepared, print a copy of this article and save it conveniently in a drawer near your most frequently watched TV. Next time you’re in an alert zone, pull it out for reference.
“It can be a worrisome countdown as a tropical storm approaches,” explains Mickey McHenry, President, Paul Davis Restoration of South Atlanta, Central Georgia, Northeast Georgia, and Lanier Isles. “You’ll likely hear about a Tropical Storm Watch two days, or 48 hours ahead of severe weather. Think of a ‘Watch’ as your First Alert. Not an imminent arrival, but a seriously anticipated storm and one that could deliver sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour, possibly more.” A Watch means all the ingredients for upcoming hazardous weather, but the timing and location are still uncertain.
What should you do now? Seriously plan and purchase several days of food and water supplies, batteries you might need for lighting, ice, propane, other fuels you’ll need for post-storm cleanup. And start doing necessary activity to adequately secure everything outside your home. Think outdoor furniture storage, trim near-home tree branches that could damage your home or business, and purchase board-up materials you could need.
“Next comes your Second Alert, Tropical Storm Warning,” says McHenry. “Dangerous winds with serious rain are now likely within the next day, just 24 hours left to get all secured and safe.” Move cars and recreational equipment into a garage or other building preferably on higher ground. “Rain comes down, but water floods up. Even a foot or two higher can make a dangerous difference in a modest flood,” warns McHenry. “A Warning means hazardous weather is occurring or is about to occur. Time is now short to get fully ready.”
For those living near the coasts, large bodies of water such as inland bays and lakes, or near streams and rivers, flooding often takes effect and quickly grows destructive. This is called a Storm Surge Warning: This announces possible danger of life-threatening rising water moving inland within 36 hours. Nature can pack a powerful punch as anyone who witnesses a Tropical Storm can attest. “My advice,” says McHenry, “Prepare for the worst and then cheer when you realize later you over-prepared. You won’t be sorry.”
