Prepare for Severe Weather to Comfortably Endure Nature’s Wrath

Summer in northeastern Ohio usually brings normal seasonal weather. However, it can also bring severe weather events, including thunderstorms, heat waves, floods, wind storms and tornadoes, often resulting serious property damage and possible loss of life. The highest priority is keeping your family, home or business safe by having a plan to prepare for severe weather.

Here are steps any Cleveland area homeowner can take to be as prepared as possible for the worst case scenario.

• Consult a licensed HVAC contractor for advice on electrical surge protectors and a stand-by electrical generator for use during electrical power interruptions or blackouts. The size and power of the units will vary according to the size and electrical needs of your home or business.
• Stay informed by keeping your radio or television tuned to your local news station or Emergency Alert System for updates. Learn the emergency evacuation route for your area and stock your car with bottled water, an emergency kit, extra necessities for infants, the elderly or pets, flashlights and batteries, blankets and dry snacks and foods.
• Outside your home, prepare for severe weather by storing all furniture, toys, pool equipment and other moveable objects in the garage. Remove any low-hanging branches from trees near your home. If necessary, board up house windows with plywood. Fuel up the car and park it inside the garage.
• In the case of electrical power loss, unplug all major appliances except the refrigerator to prevent a power surge when service is restored. Food will remain cold for at least four hours and frozen food for up to 48 hours if the doors are opened infrequently. Unplug all lights except one to alert you when the power is restored. Monitor all local weather or emergency reports.
• In areas where thunderstorms and high winds are not uncommon, it’s best to prepare for severe weather by keeping your home fully stocked with flashlights and batteries, bottled water, dry and canned goods, battery-powered radio or television.

For expert advice on preparing your home or business for possible weather emergencies in the greater Cleveland area, contact Stack Heating & Cooling. The professional, HVAC-certified staff of our family-owned business has served the heating and cooling needs of northeastern Ohio since 1976.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about preparation for severe weather and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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