Here are some tips as we head into spring that [...]]]> Ohio can suffer from severe windstorms in the spring. These storms can leave thousands of residents without power. No one anticipates the magnitude of damaging weather as so few are prepared for the hurricane-like strength winds that come with a storm. Our safety can never be guaranteed.

Here are some tips as we head into spring that will help ensure you are ready for inclement weather conditions in the future.  These tips are useful both at home and the office:

Evaluate your Storm & Tornado Shelter:
 In the event of a storm, identify your storm shelter. Also known as a tornado shelter, generally a good storm shelter area is an interior room on the first floor or your home with no windows. Rooms with only one door and no windows such as bathrooms, storage rooms or closets are well suited for safe rooms. The best shelters are fully engineered and well-built structures above the ground or underground but typically out of the influence of water and severe wind. Storm shelters can be made out of concrete, steel or reinforced fiberglass and should adhere to guidelines set up by FEMA.

Identify potential shelters in your area or within your home. Considerations include:

▪    The number of people that need to fit inside.

▪    Determine whether anyone has special medical needs.

▪    Make a plan for your pets or larger animals.

▪    If you want to use the storm shelter for longer term emergency use determine how much food and water storage space is needed, as well as accommodations for electricity, bedding, lights and toilet facilities.

▪    Communicate your PLANS to take shelter in this room in the event of a direct hit!

Trim your trees regularly:
 Many people put off the hassles of tree trimming because it may be too expensive or they simply forget. Trimming trees necessary because it helps promote tree growth and diminish potential safety hazards. We recommend hiring a professional arborist to shape your trees and cut problematic limbs.

Consider purchasing a generator:
 Next time your home or business loses electricity, be prepared with a generator. When determining which generator is right for you, have an electrician estimate the total wattage of the devices in your home or business. If you want to try and approximate the wattage on your own, remember that Volts x Amps = Watts. Electricians advise purchasing a generator with a capacity of 20 percent more than your wattage requirements.

Create an emergency kit: 
Finally, make sure you have an emergency kit prepared. Make sure the kit has a first aid kit, water, a flashlight and extra batteries. In terms of food, include some non-perishable items along with a can opener. It’s always helpful to include a NOAA weather radio.

Store critical documents off-site: Water and storm damage can most likely destroy paper files and/or computer equipment.  Make sure you have a plan at the office to back-up your hard copy files, and store them in a safe place, preferably an off-site storage facility.