Tornadoes and Storm Damage, Are You Prepared?
5/25/2018 (Permalink)
Tornadoes recently in Greensboro have displaced folks and have made us think are we ready for storms and tornadoes here in Winston Salem? Preparing for an emergency beforehand is much better than trying to deal with one while in you’re in one. You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days. Depending on the nature of the disaster road conditions may prevent help from arriving in a timely manner.
Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages. If the power goes out avoid using candles if you must use candles do so in a safe manner by never leaving them unattended. A hurricane lame glass over a candle can also help. Keep walk ways clear to avoid a tripping hazard.
Be prepared for a power outage by keeping necessary items centrally located in your home. Take the time to ensure that everyone in your family is aware of the "kit." Periodically check your kit to see that batteries operate properly. This might be a good idea to put on the “to do check list” when changing smoke detector batteries and changing the clocks. The following is a list of items that are suggested to keep on hand:
- Flashlights for each family member
- Battery-operated radio and clock
- Extra batteries
- Containers of bottled water
- Canned, freeze-dried or dehydrated food, powdered milk, baby supplies for infants
- Non-electric can opener
- List of important phone numbers
- First-aid kit
Following a disaster, there may be power outages that could last for several days. Stock canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils. The following items are suggested when selecting emergency food supplies. You may already have many of these on hand.
- Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
- Choose foods your family will eat.
- Remember any special dietary needs.
- Avoid foods that will make you thirsty.
- Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and a can opener
- Protein or fruit bars
- Dry cereal or granola
- Peanut butter
- Dried fruit
- Nuts
- Crackers
- Canned juices
- Non-perishable pasteurized milk
- High energy foods
- Vitamins
- Food for infants
- Comfort/stress foods
These and many other helpful tips are available at ready.gov Here is the link to Tornado tips for before during and after a tornado https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes When storm damage strikes the Winston Salem area knowing what to do until SERVPRO of West Forsyth County arrives will make a world of difference. Call us directly at 336-946-1131