Spring is now upon is, and for a good part of the USA, this means the beginning of another storm season. Depending on where you live, a storm may mean different things, from heavy winds and rain with flooding, to tornadoes and thunderstorms to hurricanes.

While there is nothing we can do to stop adverse weather, there are numerous things we can do around our homes to lesson any damage we may receive. Very often ones property sustains more damage from falling debris than it does from the actual wind itself.

First I would recommend that every commuter, parent, teacher, childcare provider, retailer-EVERYONE take a class in storm spotting. During this class, (the basic class ranges from 2-3 hours in length) one learns the basics of a storm, and reading of the sky. This tells you when to take cover and be prepared. True, modern science has enabled us to be warned in many cases ahead of time, but we are not always within range of siren warnings and they do not always go off.

I also strong advise every home and business to have a good working weather radio, with good backup batteries. An all-electric one will not do you much good in a severe storm if the power goes out. Listen to the warnings and follow the directions you are given.

Prepare yourself for a storm-well ahead of time. Most importantly, make sure all family members know where to report to during a storm. If you have a basement, this will be the time to use it. If not, find a nearby shelter, preferably underground away from basement windows and gas lines. If there is no nearby shelter, then find a room, closet or hallway with no windows in the center of your home and on the lowest floor possible. Avoid mobile homes!

In your shelter, I would recommend having a storm kit in a large Rubber-maid type container or something else that is waterproof. Clearly label it to the effect that is for storm use only. Keep an inventory on the lid as to its contents, and remember some items in it will need to be rotated to avoid expiring and to stay fresh. In it, I would recommend you keep at least 2 flashlights with extra batteries and bulb. (They make ones now that you can wind up to recharge), a portable radio that picks up your local station for weather updates, medication that may be needed for those within your home-such as insulin or heart medications(stress often brings out the worse of an illness), blankets and pillows, copies of your medical and property

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