Prepare For High Winds: Fast-Moving Storm Safety Guide

5 min read Post on May 20, 2025

Prepare For High Winds: Fast-Moving Storm Safety Guide

Assessing the Risk of High Winds

Understanding the potential severity of high winds is the first step in effective preparation. This involves monitoring weather forecasts and identifying potential hazards in your environment.

Understanding Wind Speed and Forecasts

Different wind speeds represent different levels of danger. Gale-force winds, storms, and hurricanes all carry varying degrees of risk. Reliable weather forecasts are essential for assessing the potential threat. Key sources include the National Weather Service (NWS), your local news channels, and reputable weather apps.

Check Multiple Weather Sources: Don't rely on just one source. Comparing forecasts from different providers can give you a more comprehensive picture.
Understand Wind Advisories, Warnings, and Watches: Knowing the difference between these alerts is crucial. A watch indicates the possibility of high winds, a warning means high winds are imminent, and an advisory suggests less severe but still potentially hazardous conditions.
Use Weather Apps for Real-time Updates: Many weather apps provide real-time wind speed updates, radar imagery, and severe weather alerts directly to your phone.

Identifying Potential Hazards

High winds present numerous hazards. Understanding these risks allows you to take appropriate preventative measures.

Falling Trees and Branches: Large trees, particularly those with weak or damaged branches, pose a significant threat during high winds.
Power Lines: Downed power lines are extremely dangerous and should never be approached.
Flying Debris: Loose objects such as signs, debris, and even building materials can become deadly projectiles in high winds.
Structural Damage: High winds can damage homes and buildings, leading to property damage and potential injuries.

Assess your surroundings carefully. Are there large trees near your home? Are there any weak structures that could collapse? Identifying potential hazards beforehand allows for better preparation. Identify safe rooms within your house, away from windows and potential hazards.

Creating a Family Emergency Plan

A well-defined family emergency plan is crucial for staying safe during high winds. This plan should cover communication, evacuation, and essential supplies.

Designate an Out-of-Area Contact Person: Choose someone outside your immediate area who can serve as a central point of contact for family members.
Establish a Meeting Point: Designate a specific location where family members should meet if separated during the storm.
Pack an Emergency Kit: Your kit should include essential supplies such as water (one gallon per person per day for several days), non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, important documents, and medications.

Securing Your Home and Property Before High Winds Arrive

Preparing your home and property before high winds arrive significantly reduces the risk of damage and injury.

Protecting Your Outdoor Spaces

Secure your outdoor areas to prevent damage and the creation of flying debris.

Secure Loose Objects: Bring all loose items indoors, such as furniture, trash cans, garden decorations, and anything that could be picked up by the wind.
Trim or Remove Dead Branches: Remove any dead or weak branches from trees to prevent them from falling and causing damage.
Protect Windows: Consider boarding up windows with plywood or installing storm shutters to prevent them from shattering.
Park Vehicles in a Garage or Sheltered Area: Avoid parking your vehicles under trees or in areas exposed to high winds.

Preparing Your Interior

Taking precautions inside your home can help minimize damage and keep your family safe.

Bring Indoor Plants Inside: Move potted plants to a secure location indoors.
Secure Heavy Furniture: Move heavy furniture away from windows and secure it to prevent it from toppling over.
Unplug Electronics: Unplug electronics to prevent power surges and damage from electrical storms often accompanying high winds.
Store Important Documents in Waterproof Containers: Protect important documents such as insurance policies and identification from water damage.

Staying Safe During High Winds

Your actions during high winds are critical for your safety.

Staying Indoors and Avoiding Dangerous Areas

The safest place during high winds is indoors, away from windows and doors.

Stay Away from Windows and Doors: Avoid windows and doors during the storm's peak, as these areas are most susceptible to damage.
Avoid Basements (Unless Designated as a Safe Room): Unless your basement is specifically designed as a storm shelter, it may not be the safest place during high winds, particularly if flooding is a risk.
Know Where to Go Within Your Home: Designate a safe room or area in your home where your family can gather during the storm.
Never Go Outside During the Peak of the Storm: Wait until the high winds have subsided before venturing outside.

What to do if Power Goes Out

Power outages are common during high winds. Be prepared for this possibility.

Use Flashlights Instead of Candles: Candles present a significant fire hazard.
Check on Neighbors, Especially Vulnerable People: Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours to ensure their safety.
Know How to Safely Shut Off Utilities: Learn how to turn off gas and water if necessary.
Conserve Battery Power: Use battery-powered devices sparingly to extend their lifespan.

Conclusion

Preparing for high winds is paramount to protecting your family and property from the destructive power of fast-moving storms. By diligently following these steps to assess risk, secure your home, and stay safe during the storm, you can significantly enhance your safety. Remember, proactive preparation is key to minimizing risks associated with high winds. Don't wait for a warning—start preparing for high winds today and create a comprehensive safety plan for your family. Develop your high wind safety plan now and protect your family.