Storm Action Plan: Part 2 — Staying Safe During and After the Storm 🪬

You’ve diligently prepared using the checklist in Part 1. Now, it’s time to focus on staying safe during and immediately after the event. This guide provides tips and reminders for navigating the storm and its aftermath.

Note: This article is Part 2 of a two-part series. Please ensure you have reviewed Storm Survival Guide: Part 1 — Your Essential Pre-Storm Checklist for essential pre-storm preparations.

TL;DR Important Reminders During the Storm

Top 5 Do’s

🦺 Inside Safe: Stay indoors, away from windows. Listen to the radio for updates and only go out once officials say it’s safe.
💡 Power Smart: Use battery lights. Text instead of calling, unless it is essential.
📇 Contacts Ready: Keep emergency contacts list close. Check in with your out-of-area contact.
🩺 Medical Ready: Have first-aid and medications accessible. Pprepared for minor injuries or medical conditions without power.
🏠 Check Damage: After the storm, assess and photograph damage for insurance. Prioritize safety repairs.

Top 5 Don’ts

❌ Don’t: Use candles unless you have to. They are dangerous.
❌ Don’t: Go outside during the storm unless essential.
❌ Don’t: Open the fridge/freezer a lot.
❌ Don’t: Try to fix electrical problems yourself.
❌ Don’t: Drive or shop right after the storm unless you must.

1. During the Storm: Staying Safe

This section outlines the key actions and precautions to take during the storm itself.

Power Conservation

💡 Use lights and electronic devices only when necessary. Prioritize battery-operated lights over candles.
🪫 Conserve cell phone battery by limiting calls and using text messages.
📻 If you have a two-way radio or a weather radio, be ready to use it.
📰 Stay Informed: Listen to your battery-powered or hand-crank radio for weather updates, emergency information, and official instructions.

❌ Don’t: Rely solely on your cell phone for communication or information.

Communication and Emergency Contacts

📱 During the storm, prioritize text messages over calls to conserve phone battery and reduce network strain.
🤝 Utilize two-way radios for communication with family or neighbors if you have them. Check in with your designated out-of-area contact to let them know you are safe.
🪢 Maintain Contact: Use your two-way radios to communicate with family or neighbors, if you have them. Check in with your designated out-of-area contact to let them know you are safe.

❌ Don’t: Plan on doing any outside activities that aren’t related to safety.

Keep your emergency contact list readily accessible, including:

Emergency Services

E.g., 911 in the US, 999 in the UK, 000 in Australia, 112 in Europe

👮 Police: ____________________
🔥 Fire: ____________________
🚑 Ambulance: ____________________
🦺 Local Emergency Management Agency: ____________________ (Look up your local agency’s number)

Utility Companies

⚡ Power Company: ____________________
💧 Water Company: ____________________
💨 Gas Company: ____________________

Insurance Company

☂️ Insurance Company: ____________________

Medical Contacts

👨‍⚕️ Family Doctor(s): ____________________
🥼 Veterinarian: ____________________
🏥 Nearest Hospital: ____________________
🤢 Poison Control Center: ____________________ (e.g., 1–800–222–1222 in the US)

Family & Friends (Local and Out-of-Area)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Name: ____________________ Phone: ____________________
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Name: ____________________ Phone: ____________________
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Name: ____________________ Phone: ____________________
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Name: ____________________ Phone: ____________________

Food and Water

🫙 Rely on your emergency food and water stockpile.
❄️ Minimize opening the refrigerator or freezer to preserve the cold.
🧊 If your water supply is low and if appropriate, remember that you can melt ice from your freezer as a backup.

❌ Don’t: Plan elaborate meals. Focus on simple, non-perishable food that requires minimal preparation. And keep the refrigerator and freezers closed unless necessary.

Candles (Use with Extreme Caution)

🛑 If you must use candles for lighting, do so with extreme care.
🔥 Place candles in sturdy holders on a stable, non-flammable surface.
🧯 Keep candles away from anything that could catch fire (curtains, furniture, paper).

❌ Don’t: Use candles near oxygen tanks or other medical equipment.

🪔 Never leave a burning candle unattended.
😴 Extinguish all candles before going to sleep or leaving the room.
✅ Strongly Consider: Using battery-operated candles as a safer alternative.

Indoor Safety and Comfort During the Storm

🪢 Neighbor with a Generator: If the power is out for an extended period and you know a neighbor has a generator, it doesn’t hurt to ask if they might be able to help you charge essential devices. Offer to help them in return where you can.
🏠 Stay Put: Remain indoors in a secure location, away from windows and doors.
🧸 Pass Time: If you’re stuck inside for an extended period, have some entertainment on hand. Use the games and books you gathered in Part 1 to reduce stress.
🐈 Pets: Keep your pets close and provide reassurance. Make sure they have access to their food and water.

❌ Don’t: Let your pets roam freely outside during or immediately after the storm.

2. Address the Crisis

During the storm, unexpected challenges can arise. Be prepared to address them quickly and efficiently.

Manage Leaks and Minor Repairs

🧻 Have towels ready to mop up any leaks.
🛠️ Keep your toolbox readily accessible for minor repairs.
🪣 Place buckets or containers under areas prone to leaks, such as windows, doors, or areas of the roof.
🦺 Outdoor Assessment: Only venture outside if absolutely necessary for safety, such as clearing a blocked exit or addressing an immediate hazard. If conditions are dangerous, stay inside. Have your safety flares ready if you need to attract attention.

❌ Don’t: Worry about cleaning your entire house. Just focus on clearing clutter from essential areas like hallways and stairs and mopping up any leaks with the towels you set aside.

Communication Backup

✍️ Have essential phone numbers written down on paper in case your electronic devices fail.
📱 Learn how to send text messages to emergency services in your area (if available).
🧳 If you have tracking devices like Apple AirTags or similar, now might be the time locate items that may have moved (or been moved).

3. Medical/First Aid Reminders

🧰 Keep your first-aid kit readily accessible.
🩺 Have a list of allergies (food, medication) for each household member.
🫥 Medications: Make sure you have enough of your prescription medicines to last for at least a week. Also, consider any over-the-counter medications you might need (pain relievers, cold & flu medicine, antihistamines).
🦾 If anyone relies on medical devices, ensure you have backup power or a plan for managing without them during an outage.
🦽 Address any special medical needs as planned in your pre-storm preparations.

❌ Don’t: be a hero. If conditions are dangerous, stay inside.

4. Temperature Control and Exposure Dangers

Expect that power outages will affect heating and cooling, and always be mindful about gas leaks.

Cold

♨️ Layer up! Use extra blankets and find your warmest socks, hats, gloves, and scarves.
🥶 Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to hypothermia, a serious condition where your body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Symptoms include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness.

Heat

🪬 Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Use portable fans and take cool (not cold) showers or baths if water is available.
🥵 Excessive heat can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Symptoms include heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, rapid pulse, and headache.

❌ Don’t: Run your car in an enclosed space to stay warm or cool. This can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal.

5. Mental Health Considerations

Storms can be incredibly stressful. Remember to take care of your mental well-being during and after the event.

😣 Stay Informed, But Don’t Obsess: Monitor weather reports from reliable sources, but avoid getting glued to the news or social media.
🧠Focus on What You Can Control: You’ve prepared; now focus on activities that keep you calm and occupied.
🫂 Stay Connected: Check in with loved ones via phone or text, if possible.
😌 Occupy Your Mind: Engage in relaxing activities if the situation allows. Read, play games, or listen to music.
🧘 Practice Mindfulness: Use deep breathing exercises or meditation to help reduce anxiety.
🍺 Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: These substances can worsen anxiety and disrupt sleep.
🆘 Seek Professional Help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional or a crisis hotline.

6. Insurance Claims

Documenting damage and taking the right steps with your insurance company can make the claims process smoother after a storm.

🗂️ Review Policy: Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy beforehand.
📞 Contact Insurer: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the storm.
🧳 Evidence: Keep receipts for any emergency repairs, temporary housing, or other related expenses.
🪪 Policy Number: Have your policy number readily available when you contact your insurer.
⏳ Be Patient: The claims process can take time, especially after a major storm.
📰 Seek Assistance: If you encounter difficulties with your claim, consider seeking assistance from your state’s insurance department or a qualified attorney.

7. Prioritizing Repairs

After a storm, you may have multiple repairs to deal with. Prioritize them based on safety, security, and preventing further damage.

🦺 Safety First: Address any immediate safety hazards, such as exposed electrical wires, leaking gas, or unstable structures.

Secure the Property

🪟 Board up broken windows and doors to safeguard your home from the elements and potential intruders.
☂️ Tarp or cover any holes in your roof to prevent water damage.

Water Damage

🪣 Remove standing water as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth.
💨 Dry out affected areas using fans and dehumidifiers.

Plumbing

🚰 Address any leaks or damaged pipes to prevent further water damage. Prioritising drinking water and sewerage lines.
👨‍🔧 Contact a qualified plumber if needed.

❌ Don’t: Attempt to repair electrical systems yourself unless qualified. Contact a qualified electrician to assess and repair any damage.

Trees and Debris

🪓 Be cautious when removing fallen trees or branches.
🌳 Unstable Environment: After the storm, be aware that the environment may be unstable. Watch for loose or falling debris, damaged structures (walls, fences, etc.), and uneven or weakened ground, especially near trees.

Temporary Repairs

🧰 Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage while waiting for permanent solutions.
📸 Document all repairs (temporary and permanent) with photos and receipts.

Permanent Repairs

📈 Obtain multiple estimates from reputable contractors.
✅ Verify contractor licenses and insurance.
📝 Keep detailed records of all repair work.
🌳 Contact a qualified tree removal service if necessary.

8. After the Storm: Assessing and Recovering

Once the storm has passed, it’s crucial to assess the situation and begin recovery safely.

Safety First

⌚ Wait for official announcements that it is safe to go outside.
🚧 Be cautious of downed power lines, flooding, and debris.

❌ Don’t: If evacuated, only return home once authorities deem it safe.

Check on Neighbors

🤝 Once it’s safe, check on neighbors, especially elderly or vulnerable individuals, to see if they need assistance.

Document Damage

📱 Take photos and videos of any damage to your property for insurance purposes.

📞 Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage.

Conserve Resources

🫙 Continue to conserve water and food, especially if supplies are limited.
🏭 Only use your generator if necessary and follow safety guidelines.

❌ Don’t: Use grills or generators indoors. They produce carbon monoxide.
❌ Don’t: Run your car in an enclosed space to stay warm or cool. This can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Keep Safe and Stay Informed

📻 Continue to monitor local news and official sources for updates on recovery efforts, road closures, and available resources.

❌ Don’t: Drive or go on unnecessary shopping trips during or immediately after the storm.

9. Your Digital Emergency Companion

This guide emphasizes preparedness, communication, and a calm mindset. The Saropa Contacts app can help with all three.

📇 Emergency Contacts Centralized: Keep all your important contacts — family, friends, doctors, emergency services — in one easily accessible place. Call or text directly from the app.
🆘 Local Emergency Numbers, Automatically: Wherever you are, the app provides the right national emergency numbers, so you’re never caught off guard.
📞 Guidance When Calling for Help: Get tips on what information to provide emergency services, keeping you focused and clear-headed.
🧘‍♀️ ⛑️ Emergency Tips: Access a quick guide for recognizing symptoms and basic first aid treatments, providing vital information at your fingertips.
📋 Detailed Contact Information: The app prompts you to add important contact details like addresses, phone numbers, and social media contacts.

Download Saropa Contacts App at saropa.com

Closing

Having weathered the storm, you’ve demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness. Remember that recovery takes time. Be patient, stay informed, and continue to prioritize safety as you navigate the aftermath.

Footnotes:

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) — Natural Disaster Resources: https://www.osha.gov/natural-disasters Provides information on workplace safety during and after natural disasters.
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR): https://www.undrr.org/ Focuses on reducing disaster risk and losses worldwide.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC): https://www.ifrc.org/ The world’s largest humanitarian network, providing disaster relief and preparedness support globally.
World Health Organization (WHO) — Emergencies: https://www.who.int/emergencies/en/ Offers information on health emergencies, including natural disasters.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): https://www.nfpa.org/ Provides codes and standards for fire safety, including information relevant to storm preparedness.
The Salvation Army — Disaster Relief: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/provide-disaster-relief/ Offers disaster relief services and preparedness information.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Disaster Distress Helpline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline Provides crisis counseling and support for people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — Effects of Disasters: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/types/disaster.asp Offers information on the psychological effects of disasters and resources for coping.
FEMA — How to Prepare for a Winter Storm: https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20210318/how-prepare-winter-storm Information on how to prepare for a winter storm.
Ready.gov — Winter Storms & Extreme Cold: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather Provides comprehensive information on disaster preparedness for winter storms.
NWS — Winter Storm Safety: https://www.weather.gov/ama/wintersafety Winter storm safety advice.
CDC — Winter Weather: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/winterweather/index.html Advice on staying safe and healthy in winter weather.
Ready.gov — Hurricanes: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes Provides comprehensive information on disaster preparedness for hurricanes.
Ready.gov — Floods: https://www.ready.gov/floods Provides comprehensive information on disaster preparedness for floods.
Ready.gov — Tornadoes: https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes Provides comprehensive information on disaster preparedness for tornadoes.
American Red Cross — Tornado Safety Checklist: https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDF_s/Preparedness___Disaster_Recovery/Disaster_Preparedness/Tornado/Tornado.pdf Checklist for before, during, and after a tornado.

These are just a few examples, and you can find many other valuable resources online. Remember to consult your local authorities and emergency management agencies for region-specific information.