How to Weather the Weather

Last weekend we switched to Daylight Saving Time. The changing of the time and the upcoming entry into spring will not only bring much anticipated warmer temperatures but also the potential for storms.   This is a good time to think about our preparation for stormy weather and potential flooding and loss of electrical power.

First and foremost it is always good to know when inclement weather is approaching.  Sirens and warnings are certainly valuable and important, but their seemingly intermittent and arbitrary use has caused some of us to essentially ignore their wail and cry.  Also, many of us live outside of earshot of these warnings.

The purchase of an inexpensive weather radio is not only useful, but may be a critical safety factor for you and your family.  But, you may not need to buy one if you have a smart phone.  There are several apps that, just like a weather radio, give you warning if a dangerous storm is approaching your area.  Most all of the local commercial TV stations and the Weather Channel have apps, some free of charge, that can be lifesavers. 

One of the better offerings is the Storm Shield app.  It essentially turns your phone (either iPhone or Android) into a weather radio.  You can program it for specific local forecasts and warnings or let the location feature on the phone decide what forecast is most appropriate for your current location.  In the Cincinnati area WCPO Channel 9 provides some content for Storm Shield.  The Storm Shield costs about 5 bucks.

Once a storm hits we are often faced with power outages.  Most are brief but I can remember some that lasted more than 24 hours.  The installation of a backup power generator is out of reach for most of us but that does not mean that we have to stay in the dark.  I noticed recently at Costco and other big box stores several different battery powered LED lights for sale very inexpensively.  

I bought a set of eight LED lights and put one in each room of my house.  Each light is about the size of a stack of three Oreo cookies so they can be placed inconspicuously in each room.  Some came with self- stick tape so you can affix them to the wall or ceiling.  Since the package included a small remote control, when the power goes off I can walk through the darkened house activating each light without having to locate each one and turn it on manually.  It is a pretty cool inexpensive solution.  

Speaking of batteries, this is also a great time to be sure to change those batteries in the smoke alarms.