Staying Safe and Bug-Free During Bad Weather

Spring and early summer bring back the sunshine and warm weather, but they also create an environment that’s prime for tornadoes. As of this writing 39 tornadoes have wreaked havoc across Alabama this year. It’s important to know how to prepare and protect your family, as well as how bugs react to these adverse weather conditions so that your home isn’t susceptible to invasions if you have to leave.

How to Prepare for Bad Weather in Alabama

Emergencies can strike with little to no notice, especially tornadoes. Right now the average lead-time for warnings of a tornado is just 13 minutes. Proper preparation can help you make the most of every second.

• Decide on the best shelter spot within your home. This should be the basement or an interior room with no windows. If you live in a mobile home it’s imperative that you leave and get to a designated shelter.
• Practice tornado drills with the entire family. This will give you a good idea of how quickly everyone can get to shelter.
• Make copies of all your personal documents and family photos and store them with a secure online resource. That way if they get destroyed you always have a backup you can access.
• Know how to receive warnings. Familiarize yourself with the television and radio stations that provide information from county and/or local warning systems.
• Keep a battery-powered radio in the home. Wherever the radio is kept there should also be a supply of extra batteries. During inclement weather keep it on the NOAA weather radio station for updates and instructions.
• Keep at least one first aid kit and one fire extinguisher in your home at all times.
• Know where the utility switches and valves are so that you can turn them off if you have time. Everyone in the home should understand how to turn them on and off.
• Create an emergency pack that includes everything you need to get through a tornado.

What You Should Have in an Emergency Pack

You know you need a bug-out bag for emergencies, but what should you put in it? Here’s a quick rundown of all the must-haves that need to be prepared before a tornado strikes.

• Water – it’s best to keep several gallons of water in your shelter spot.
• Helmet – one for each family member
• Closed toe shoes – one pair for each family member
• First aid kit
• Flashlight – hand-crank or battery operated
• Radio – hand-crank or battery operated
• Batteries
• Prescription medication – whenever possible
• Whistle
• Blanket
• Day’s supple of canned food
• Can opener
• List of important information – Should include things like telephone numbers for emergency services, insurance information, license plate and VIN numbers for vehicles, phone numbers for the utility companies, neighbor’s phone numbers and medical information for each family member.

Your emergency packs should be kept in or near your shelter space so that they are easily accessible at a moment’s notice.

What to do to Keep Bugs Out of Your Home During Bad Weather

Like humans, bugs will seek shelter during bad weather. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to find insects in their house if they had to evacuate. However, there are steps you can take to try and protect your home from insect invasions and more preventative measures will be needed after the storm.

Before a Tornado

• Consider getting a pest control treatment around the exterior and interior of your home. These will typically keep bugs at bay for up to three months.
• Ensure that your home is properly sealed up. Inspect caulking and weather stripping around all windows and doors.
• Make sure all windows and doors are securely closed whether you take shelter in your home or evacuate. Although it is a common misconception, cracking a window during a tornado does not help.

After a Tornado

• Be very careful when returning to your home after a tornado. Insects and other animals often find their way in after storms. Wear closed toe shoes, pants and a long-sleeve shirt in addition to applying bug spray when you go back in.
• Remove any uprooted trees from your property. These will become easy targets for insects.
• If any exterior damage was done to the home focus on getting those fixes done first, then turn your attention to the inside of the home.
• Protect yourself with bug spray – insects are a serious safety hazard after a tornado.

If you’re looking for pest control treatment services in Alabama give Vulcan Termite and Pest Control, Inc. a call. We’ll work with you to access your unique needs so that your property is protected no matter what the weather does.

Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/healthy-living/staying-safe-bug-free-bad-weather