Stay Weather-Aware to Protect Yourself and Your Home | SERVPRO® of Hershey / Harrisburg East

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

If you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO of Hershey / Harrisburg East 717-561-1404.

There are about 42 different types of weather warnings, each categorized into seven different weather-related groups. These alerts are sent out when severe weather conditions arise in your location. This information can be complicated to understand when a strong storm is forecast to strike your neighborhood.

Understanding what these weather warnings based on where you live can help you prepare for whatever circumstances may arise. These alerts are also a useful way to safeguard your home before severe weather impacts it.

While being aware of all kinds of weather scenarios is beneficial, being aware of the weather patterns that could hit our community here in Hershey / Harrisburg East is even more vital.

How Alerts Are Issued

So, how are forecasters able to provide these weather warnings? Since weather forecasts are merely predictions, how can we determine the severity and location of a storm? There are many factors that impact why these alerts get sent out.

The National Weather Service works to provide accurate weather forecasts as well as weather alerts as these conditions develop. These advisories are issued by six regional offices around the country, allowing for more accurate predictions based on location. You’ll find Hershey / Harrisburg East alerts provided from the Eastern Region headquarters in Bohemia, New York, along with local offices nearby.

Meteorologists use solar activity, weather balloons, satellites and even ocean buoys to make forecasts. These predictions will vary based on the severity of the weather event, but the primary objective is to provide the most accurate forecast possible.

The Most Important Alerts to Understand

When deciphering these alerts, the words “watch” and “warning” tend to pop up often. You’ll see this language used in weather alerts, including those for thunderstorms, winter storms and flooding.

A watch means a storm is being monitored and could become dangerous, so you should make a plan to be able to withstand potentially hazardous conditions. Watches are often issued in a larger area, while a warning is issued in a smaller, more specific area like a county or city.

A warning means a severe storm is imminent and you should take precautions immediately.

It’s also crucial to know what kind of weather to expect in your area so that when you get these alerts, you’ll know what your next plan of action will be to keep safe. Here in Hershey / Harrisburg East, we see a mixed bag of weather throughout the year.

Winters are snowy, icy and often very cold, while our summers are warm and humid. We may see strong winter storms, along with the potential for thunderstorms and even tornadoes in warmer times of year.

Protecting Your Home During a Storm

While monitoring weather alerts is the safest approach to defending your property and life during severe weather, there are a few other things you can do around the house to reduce the risk of damage.

Clear your gutters and fasten any outdoor furniture to protect your home from the impact of weather like floods or strong winds. Locate a secure place to wait out the storm and have an exit plan prepared in case your family needs to relocate.

SERVPRO of Hershey / Harrisburg East can take care of any of your restoration needs if your home is impacted by severe weather. We can devise and carry out an effective repair plan to restore your home to its original condition.

Staying informed about weather conditions that may affect your neighborhood is an excellent approach to protect yourself and your property from tragedy. Understanding the various weather alerts will help you best prepare for any storm that may pass through our area.

Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!