Most Arkansans know firsthand how important preparation is to dealing with severe weather.  The Natural State can experience crippling winter weather, and tornado season is actually 12 months out of the year when you live in Arkansas. 

Wireless technology can be a valuable tool on any family’s emergency preparedness list.

Verizon Wireless offers a few tips on making preparations for the next bout of severe weather. Just remember S.T.O.R.M.:

  • Shelter – Know where to find safe shelter.
  • Time – Know in advance if severe weather is expected in your area.
  • Others – Communication is the key to protecting your family and loved ones.
  • Resources – You’ll need everything from immediate supplies to good insurance.
  • Medical – Know how to help those around you in case of emergency.

Shelter
Identify a strong, well-supported place within your home that is away from exterior walls and windows. Make sure everyone in your family knows where in the house to go. If you know there is a high probability of severe weather, check with your county’s Office of Emergency Management for information on the location of community shelters.

Be sure to store, secure and protect items you would leave behind in the event of an evacuation. Before you’re in a rush to take cover or evacuate, take inventory and document all of your valuables. Take photos or video footage of items in your home for insurance purposes.

Time
In emergencies, time is a valuable asset. Prepare as much as possible when there is no storm threat and make arrangements to receive advance warning that severe weather is heading your way. Hold family practice drills to give an estimate of how long it takes to arrive at the identified safe room.

Use your smartphone or tablet to receive weather alerts and check the forecast. For example, the Weather Channel app allows users to enter locations for a localized weather update and view animated radar and detailed hourly, daily and weekly forecasts. Make sure to have a portable charger such as a power pack.

Others
In the event of a power outage, your smartphone or tablet may be your only way to communicate with family and friends. If phone traffic is heavy and you can’t make a call, text messaging is a good alternative. The free app Group Me uses your data connection to group message with your contacts, so even tablets can join in. When you have a poor connection, the app can switch to receiving messages via SMS. Add your location to any message you send and see all group members on a map.

Resources
Be sure to keep these items stored in your safe room:

  • Wireless phone batteries, Cigarette Lighter Adapters (CLAs) and other accessories
  • 3-day supply (per person) of food and water
  • Flashlights (you can also download the Free flashlight app to your mobile device)
  • Batteries
  • Jumper cables
  • Blankets
  • Towels
  • Pet supplies
  • Rain gear
  • Nonperishable food
  • Bottled water   
  • Personal items, such as prescriptions, diapers, etc.
  • Fire extinguisher

Familiarize yourself with your insurance coverage before a severe storm hits. Insurance companies will not issue or amend policies when a storm threatens your area. Review your insurance now (auto, homeowner, earthquake, flood, etc.) and schedule a meeting with your agent or company to discuss those plans. Arkansans can download the ReadyAR app or FEMA app for advice about how to better prepare your family.

Medical

  • Place first aid kits in a known location in your home and in each family car.
  • Put prescription medications in a waterproof, easy-to-carry container.
  • Make copies of your family’s medical information. In case of an emergency, the medical personnel will need a general health history of each family member.
  • Know basic first aid and CPR in the event of an emergency. Download the Red Cross First Aid app.