Tips For Protecting Your Family During A Storm In Upstate, South Carolina

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

Tips For Protecting Your Family During A Storm In Upstate, South Carolina 

In recent years tornadoes have become a reality for residents of Upstate, South Carolina. These super-cell storms usually pop up with little to no warning, and preparing in advance is the key to keeping you and your family safe. Tornadoes are powerful and unpredictable, but by beginning to prepare now, you can better your odds of coming out of the storm unharmed.

Things You Need To Do Before The Storm

Sign Up Now for Local Emergency Agencies Alerts

Our local emergency management agencies have a way for you to sign up to be alerted as soon as an emergency arises. These alerts include not just weather alerts but things like boil water notices and more.

The time to sign up for these alerts is before any weather emergency happens.

Know The Severe Weather Seasons and Language Used

Tornadoes

While pop-up tornadoes can happen at any time in South Carolina, spring and summer are when they most often occur.

Understanding Tornado Terms

Tornado Watch

During a tornado watch, you need to keep an eye on the sky. 

Meaning the conditions exist for rotation to form in the blink of an eye.

Tornado Warning

There has been a tornado spotted on the ground or radar. You need to seek shelter immediately and stay there until the storm subsides. 

Locate and Secure Possible Projectiles Before The Storm

Before you hear the weather siren going off, take the time to figure out what items in your yard could pose a risk. If you cannot secure an item to the ground, it should be brought into your garage, shed, mudroom, or crawl space. 

• Trampolines: If possible, youshould break down and store a trampoline or flip it over to be flush with the ground and anchor it. Doing so will prevent damage and keep them from becoming airborne.
• Patio Shade Shelters/Screen Tents: Secure the frame to the ground and remove all fabric components. 
• Swing Sets / Playground Structures: Remove swings, see-saws, and any other removable features.

Things You Can Do During The Storm To Protect You and Your Family

Seek Shelter During The Storm

• Basements: If you have a basement in your home, this is the preferred place to seek shelter. You should shelter at the below-ground end if it is a walk-out style.
• Lower-level, Interior Room: This is the second-best place to shelter if you do not have a basement. Preferably a room without a window.
• Upper-Level Rooms: will NOT protect you during a tornado. Do not shelter in upper-level rooms. Go to the lowest level of your home and shelter in your basement or an interior room without windows. 

Stay Indoors During A Storm

I know it is tempting to look out the window or door during a storm, but you need to avoid rooms with windows or exterior doors. The safest place for you to shelter during a tornado is in a basement or a lower-level interior room with no windows. You and your family should stay dressed in clothes and shoes appropriate for the outdoor weather if you have to flee your home or shelter in a hurry.

What Not To Do After A Tornado

Do not let your curiosity get the better of you after a tornado. Even after the storm has passed, danger is still present. Downed power lines, storm surges, and washed-out roads can create rescue situations that have to pull emergency response and first responder teams away from other storm-related issues. If the damage is severe, it will still be there several days after the storm when conditions are safer for you to travel.

If you have storm damage to your home, call SERVPRO of Pickens County(864) 855-3993. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year. No matter the severity of the damage, we will make it "Like it never even happened."