ORLANDO, Fla. – Spring has definitely sprung and with that comes the threat of storms.
We’ve had our fair share of severe thunderstorms in the last few weeks and as we roll closer to the wet season, more will come. There are ways you can prepare yourself and your property before storms roll through that can keep you safe. Let’s talk about it.
Recommended Videos
[TRENDING: LIVE RADAR: Strong storms to stream through Central Florida | For 407 Day, 12 things to do in the Orlando area all year long | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
Spring is the time of year when the weather changes across the country from cold to warm. It also swings back and forth between these two. April showers bring May flowers, right?
Cold fronts aren’t as potent as during the winter months but can still pack a punch. As temperatures warm up, these fronts bringing cooler or cold air can trigger thunderstorms and can often lead to severe weather. The collision of warm, moist air with cooler, drier air can trigger thunderstorms that can bring heavy rain, flooding, lightning, strong winds and even hail and tornadoes if they’re strong enough.
Although these kind of storms are typical for Florida, especially in the summer when the sea breezes collide, taking a few steps to be prepared can help ease the stress that can come along with the storms.
Secure loose items
An easy way to protect your property is to secure loose items in the yard before a storm arrives. This will keep lightweight chairs or loose tree limbs from flying around possibly causing more damage to the home or even to a person or vehicle.
Keeping a first aid kit on hand can come in handy too. Having items like gauze, bandages, and first aid ointment can help if someone is injured because of flying debris or every day injuries too.
Plan in case of a tornado warning
Have a plan in the event of a tornado warning. Seek shelter in an interior room away from windows on the lowest floor of the home and cover your head. Having the first aid kit and a weather radio in the event the power goes out is handy in this room that way there’s no need to go searching for these items last minute.
Not only will it help keep stress down, but it will prevent further injury in the event a tornado strikes and you’re not in your safe space.
When thunder roars, head indoors
Lightning is a very common thing in Florida. On average, lightning strikes kill about 30 people a year.
Being indoors is the safest place to be, but if you find yourself outside, taking shelter in a car is better than being exposed outside.
Floods can be dangerous
Flooding can come quickly with periods of heavy rain. Remember, never drive down a flooded road. It only takes six inches of water to reach the bottom of most cars and even less to lose traction on the road. A foot of water can cause a car to float and two feet of rushing water can even pick up trucks and SUV’s and carry them away. Keep in mind you can’t judge how deep the water is on the flooded road. There could be hazards under the water that could puncture tires and even potholes that will make the water much deeper than anticipated. Remember turn around, don’t drown.
These are just a few tips to keep you safe as storms begin to pop up and then pick up as the summer months roll around.
Having the News 6 Pinpoint Weather App on your phone can help you stay weather aware while on the go too. Be sure to check it out. The best part is that it’s free to download in your Google Play or Apple store.