Weathering the Storm With Your Community
May 11, 2023 | Christian Schauf
Weathering the Storm With Your Community

First and foremost, let's get one thing straight: severe weather sucks. It's unpredictable, dangerous, and can cause serious damage and disruption to our daily lives. But you know what sucks even more? Being unprepared for severe weather.

So, the first step in working together as a community during a severe weather situation is to make sure everyone is on the same page. This means communicating with your neighbors and making sure everyone knows what to do in the event of a storm or other severe weather event. 

Now, when it comes to actual preparations, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, stock up on essentials like food, water, and other supplies that you might need if you're stuck inside for a few days. And hey, while you're at it, maybe throw in some extra snacks and booze, because let's face it, there's only so much canned soup a person can handle.

But in all seriousness, lets get down to some more practical tips on how to work together as a community during a severe weather situation:

  1. Check on your neighbors: During a severe weather event, it's important to check on your neighbors, especially if they're elderly, disabled, or have young children. Make sure everyone is safe and has the necessary supplies they need. If someone needs assistance, don't hesitate to lend a hand.
  2. Share resources: If someone in your community has a generator, for example, consider sharing it with others who may not have power. Similarly, if someone has a stockpile of non-perishable food, consider pooling resources and sharing meals. It's all about looking out for each other.
  3. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest weather reports and emergency alerts. This can help you make informed decisions about when to shelter in place, when to evacuate, and where to go for safety.
  4. Plan ahead: Don't wait until a severe weather event is imminent to start planning. Take the time to develop a community emergency plan, including evacuation routes, designated meeting places, and emergency contact information.
  5. Practice drills: Just like schools and workplaces, it's a good idea to practice emergency drills with your community. This can help everyone feel more prepared and confident in the event of an actual emergency.
  6. Document damage: In the aftermath of a severe weather event, it's important to document any damage to your property or community. This can help with insurance claims and disaster relief efforts.
  7. Help with cleanup: After the storm has passed, there will likely be a lot of cleanup to do. Consider organizing a community cleanup effort to help get things back to normal.

Working together as a community during a severe weather situation can make all the difference. By being prepared, communicating with each other, and having a little fun along the way, you can weather any storm (pun intended) that comes your way.