Preparing for Safety as Spring Weather Arrives

Readiness for spring weather changes is crucial to keep yourself and your family safe.

Preparing for the Unpredictable

Spring brings warmer temperatures, longer days, and the chance to enjoy the outdoors. However, spring weather can also bring unpredictable conditions, including severe storms, heavy rain, and even late-season cold snaps.

Here are five steps you can take to prepare for the season:

#1. Stay Informed About Spring Weather Patterns

Spring weather can change quickly, often bringing thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flash floods. Here’s how you can stay aware and informed:

• Check weather forecasts daily through reliable sources like local TV stations, the National Weather Service (NWS), or a weather app. Moultrie County, IL, residents can sign up for CodeRED, the county’s emergency warning system.
• Enable emergency alerts on your phone to receive notifications about severe weather.
• Understand weather warnings. A “Watch” means conditions are favorable for threatening weather to develop. A “Warning” means severe weather is happening or imminent.

#2. Prepare Your Home for Spring Storms

Spring storms can bring strong winds and heavy rain that may cause damage. Take the following steps to protect your home:

• Inspect your roof and gutters to ensure they are secure, debris-free, and capable of handling heavy rainfall.
• Trim trees and remove dead branches that could fall during strong winds.
• Secure outdoor furniture and decorations to prevent them from toppling or becoming airborne.
• Check your sump pump and backup electric supply, if you have one, to prevent basement flooding.

#3. Have an Emergency Plan in Place

Severe weather can strike suddenly, so having an emergency plan is essential. Make sure your plan includes:

• A designated safe shelter area in your home, such as a basement or an interior room with no windows.
• A family communication plan to ensure everyone knows what to do if separated.
• An emergency kit with essentials like:
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • First-aid supplies (including current medications)
  • Non-perishable food and bottled water for all residents of the household
  • Important documents in a waterproof container
  • A battery-powered weather radio

#4. Drive Safely in Changing Conditions

Springtime can bring a mix of rain, fog, wind, and even late-season ice. The following tips will help you stay safe while driving:

• Slow down on wet roads to prevent hydroplaning.
• Avoid flooded roads, as even a few inches of water can sweep a car away.
• Check your tires and brakes to ensure they are in good condition.
• Keep an emergency kit in your car, including a flashlight, blankets, and jumper cables.

#5. Stay Aware of Flooding Risks

Snowmelt and heavy rains can lead to sudden flooding. Take the following steps to stay safe:

• Know if you live in a flood-prone area and have an evacuation plan.
• Move valuables to higher areas in your home if flooding is possible.
• Never walk or drive through floodwaters. Beyond the obvious slip-and-fall hazard, just six inches of moving water can knock a person down. Driving through flood waters can result in loss of vehicle control and water damage to the vehicle's engine.

Prepare Early for Spring’s Severe Weather

Spring is a beautiful time of year, but its unpredictable weather makes personal preparation essential. You can enjoy the season and keep safe by staying informed, securing your home, and having an emergency plan. Prepare now so that you and your family will be ready when spring storms arrive.