Here in the San Joaquin Valley, we’re well accustomed to warm and sunny conditions all year round. While the favorable climate is one of the primary reasons so many folks move to the Golden State, it can also put citizens at a slight disadvantage. Thanks to so many blue, sunny afternoons, we sometimes forget to worry about the severe thunderstorms that can strike our area. Here are a few helpful tips for staying safe when inclement weather strikes:
Have an emergency plan – You’ve probably heard the old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and that’s certainly the case when it comes to severe weather. Even if the likelihood of power outages, home damage or evacuation seems slim, it’s always important to have a plan in place. Come up with a safety strategy and discuss it with all members of your household regularly.
Keep an emergency kit – Make sure you have everything you need in case of a power outage. Include items such as basic first aid essentials as well as a battery-operated flashlight, radio and fire extinguisher. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged, and keep a charger in your car.
Prepare your home – Consider weatherproofing your home with storm windows and top-quality insulation to prevent unnecessary loss of warm or cool air. Make sure your fireplace is in proper working order in case the power goes out during a chilly night. Install surge protectors to safeguard electronics.
Ensure home comfort – In order to make sure your home is cozy and comfortable during a power outage, consider investing in portable heating devices and generators. However, when using generators, be sure that the electrical load of the generator doesn’t surpass the manufacturer wattage rating of the appliance you’re attempting to run.
Above all, stay calm and keep your loved ones close by. Severe weather can be frightening, but the right preparation can help to keep you and your family safe.
If you have any additional questions about home comfort and preparation for your Fresno-area home, please contact Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Fresno, California area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about being prepared for a storm and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.