Staying Safe with Spring Weather Safety Tips

A Spring safety plan is something that doesn’t cross many people’s minds. Spring has sprung, but with it comes a departure from the snow and ice we’re used to, replaced with warmer weather and fresh flowers. While this may sound wonderful after the cold months, this rising temperature brings a range of problematic weather to the Midwest in particular. More rain, humidity that you can taste, and dangerous storms are only a few of the problems we face. 

With all this warm weather on the horizon and a few storms already blowing through the St. Louis area, it’s a good idea to refresh your spring safety knowledge and prepare for the worst that nature has in store. When you hear sirens, keep your head down and remember the basics. 

Creating Your General Spring Safety Plan

Spring is always full of surprises, which is why you should always have an emergency supply stash of food, water, and gear somewhere in the home just in case. Ensure all food is nonperishable, bottles are sealed, and equipment is stored in weatherproof bags to prevent water damage. Keep an eye on the local or National Weather Service to stay alerted for inclement weather on the horizon. If you’re anticipating problematic storms in the near future, it’s best to have your emergency kit on standby in case the weather gets worse. 

Keep your chargers and external batteries somewhere dry and safe in case of a power outage. Consider investing in hotspots if your internet goes down so you are never left without a means of communication. If you need to call emergency services, it’s best to have your bases covered beforehand. 

Lightning Safety Storm Preparation

They say lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice, but when it comes to lightning safety, only once is dangerous enough. If you can see lightning from a distance, you’re probably fine. If you can hear thunder though, you’re close enough to the storm for lightning to strike. Go inside and stay in cover until the storm passes. If you’re outside, stay away from elevated areas like hills and seek shelter in enclosed buildings or places like park pavilions. If you’re in a vehicle, keep the windows up and don’t touch anything metal. If lightning strikes the vehicle, stay away from doors and windows, then call emergency services to provide assistance. 

When indoors, stay away from equipment that could put you in direct contact with electricity, like computers. Consider investing in surge protectors to keep your electronics safe in case of a lightning strike. Keep away from windows and running water in case of either conducting electricity. Stay safe and wait for the storm to pass before you assess the state of your home. 

Stay Dry with Flood Safety

Flood safety is one of the most commonly ignored warnings, and as a result, one of the most dangerous. With rain pouring down like we’ve had recently, you should be careful when going outside or driving anywhere near running water. It goes without saying, but don’t walk or drive through floodwaters. It only takes six inches of moving water to knock a person down and 12-18 inches to pick up or carry a vehicle. Don’t disregard evacuation orders. You may think that you can weather the storm, but it’s better to be alive with a flooded home than the alternative. 

If your home is affected by floodwaters, don’t enter rooms with submerged electrical outlets until you know the power has been turned off and a professional has given the all-clear. Water conducts electricity even if you can’t see it, so always be wary of submerged outlets, wires, or electrical equipment. If you see sparks, back up.

Stay Inside with Tornado Safety

When tornado safety sirens start going off and the wind starts to pick up speed, head to the lowest level of your home, get under something sturdy, and cover your head with your arms. If you aren’t in the tornado’s path, going down to the lowest level of the home is still advisable as it’s the least likely to take damage from the storm. If your home doesn’t have a lower level, consider going to a friend or family member’s home to take shelter. 

If you don’t have time to go to someone’s house, move to an inner room or hallway of the home and stay away from windows. Apartment complexes with multiple stories often have sheltered stairways that you can use for shelter. Bathtubs, beds, or sofas provide an extra layer of protection against possible debris if windows break in your home, so if you can’t make it to a stairway, hide under or in one of these for better safety. 

Don’t seek shelter in vehicles, as they are easily tossed around in high winds. If you’re caught outside or leaving your vehicle for safety, lie flat on the ground facedown away from vehicles and trees with your hands covering your head. 

Spring Weather Safety Professionals

Always prioritize the safety of yourself and your family. If the weather places you or those you know in harm’s way, call Black Jack Fire Protection District so we can help right away. We are ready to assist at any hour, so don’t hesitate to call if you need help. Keep an eye on the weather app, stay inside, keep your family safe, and enjoy the fresh spring weather when the storms finally pass.