High Wind Warnings: What To Do During Fast-Moving Storms

4 min read Post on May 21, 2025

High Wind Warnings: What To Do During Fast-Moving Storms

Preparing for High Wind Warnings

Proactive preparation is key to minimizing the impact of high wind warnings. Taking steps to secure your home and property, and developing a comprehensive emergency plan, can significantly reduce the risk of damage and injury.

Securing Your Home and Property

Before a high wind warning hits, take steps to protect your home and prevent wind damage. This preventative home preparation will save you significant stress and potential costs later.

Bring loose outdoor objects inside: This includes furniture, grills, garbage cans, potted plants, and anything else that could become airborne and cause damage or injury. Preventing wind damage starts with securing these items.
Trim or remove trees and branches: Trees and branches near your home or power lines pose a significant risk during high winds. Proper tree maintenance is crucial for preventing wind damage to your property.
Reinforce or secure loose items on your roof: Antennas, satellite dishes, and other roof-mounted items should be securely fastened to prevent them from being blown away.
Board up windows or cover them with storm shutters: This provides added protection against flying debris and broken windows, which are common during high winds.
Park your car in a garage or sheltered area: Avoid parking under trees, which can easily fall during high winds.

Creating an Emergency Plan

Having a well-defined emergency plan is essential for high wind warnings. This plan should outline procedures for your family's safety and communication.

Gather emergency supplies: Assemble a high wind emergency kit including flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, a battery-powered radio, and a fully charged cell phone.
Develop a communication plan: Establish a method for contacting family members in case of power outages or communication disruptions. Designate an out-of-area contact person for everyone to check in with.
Identify a safe room: Choose a room in your home away from windows and exterior walls where you can shelter during the storm. This safe room should ideally be an interior room with minimal windows.

Actions to Take During High Winds

Once high winds hit, your focus should be on staying safe and minimizing risk. Knowing what to do both indoors and outdoors is crucial.

Staying Safe Indoors

When a high wind warning is in effect, remaining indoors is the safest course of action.

Stay indoors away from windows: Avoid windows and exterior walls, as they are most vulnerable to damage during high winds.
Monitor weather reports: Keep track of the storm's progression using a battery-powered radio or your phone (if service is available).
Avoid open flames: Refrain from using candles or open flames due to the increased risk of fire. Use flashlights instead if power is out.

What to Do if Outdoors During High Winds

If you are caught outdoors during high winds, prioritize finding immediate shelter.

Seek immediate shelter: Find a sturdy building as quickly as possible.
If caught in an open area: Find a low-lying location away from trees, power lines, and tall structures. Protect your head from falling debris.
Avoid downed power lines: Assume all downed power lines are live and extremely dangerous; stay far away.

After the High Wind Warning

After the high winds subside, carefully assess the damage and take appropriate steps.

Assessing Damage and Next Steps

Once the storm has passed, a thorough assessment of the damage is necessary.

Inspect your home and property: Look for any structural damage, downed trees, or other hazards.
Take photos of damage: Document all damage for insurance purposes. Detailed photos are essential for your insurance claim.
Report hazards: Report downed power lines, blocked roads, or other hazards to the appropriate authorities immediately.
Be cautious: Be aware of weakened structures and debris, which can still pose a risk after the high winds have subsided.

Conclusion

High wind warnings are serious weather events that demand preparedness and swift action. By following these guidelines for preparing your home, creating a robust emergency plan, and taking appropriate safety measures during and after the storm, you can significantly mitigate risk and protect yourself and your property. Remember to always stay informed about weather forecasts and heed all official high wind warnings to ensure your safety. Stay prepared and stay safe during periods of high wind warnings. Proper preparation is your best defense against the damaging effects of strong winds.