Feature Seasonal Safety
Feature Seasonal Safety
WEATHERING
SPRING STORMS
Some cities have sirens that sound when severe
Safety Tips Every Homesteader Needs weather is coming, and texts will be sent when it’ s
By Christy Caplan time to find a safe place. You may need to prepare your homestead for a flood, tornado and in some cases, a late season snowstorm.
Spring storms can be breathtaking and dangerous, bringing a mix of powerful winds, heavy rains and sometimes even hail or tornadoes. For homesteaders, this volatile weather doesn’ t just disrupt daily life— it can put your property, crops, family and animals at serious risk. Preparing for these unpredictable conditions isn’ t just smart; it’ s essential to keeping your homestead safe and sound during this challenging season.
Fortunately, a little planning can go a long way. From securing outdoor items to creating a family emergency plan and protecting your livestock, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize the danger.
Understanding Storm Risks
In recent years, there have been many types of severe weather and extreme weather patterns, which are reason enough to watch the forecast and prepare for the worst. Heavy rain can lead to flooding and tornadoes can be hard to predict. Every family needs an emergency plan for different weather and a list of supplies, depending on your geographical location.
The Importance of Taking a Home Inventory
Before a disaster strikes, taking an inventory of your home and videos of everything inside of value is important. Keep receipts for pricey items and electronics, as these depreciate quickly. Document basics, such as how many pairs of jeans you have, and keep this updated. This is a best practice regardless of the region you live in and is something you should prioritize.
Securing Outdoor Items
Spring storms can whip up powerful winds and pounding rain, putting outdoor items at risk of damage or becoming hazardous projectiles. Secured belongings are crucial for both safety and keeping your homestead in good shape.
There are several companies that make a window film designed to keep a window intact after it has been shattered by high winds.
• Anchor Heavy Furniture Pieces: Outdoor tables, chairs and benches can easily tip or slide in strong winds. Prevent them from moving by anchoring them down with heavy-duty straps, weights or sandbags. Furniture designed with built-in tie-down options or those made from heavier materials like wrought iron is also a good choice for storm-prone areas. Place a piece of wood in your windows to prevent forced openings.
• Use Protective Covers: For items that are too cumbersome to move quickly, such as grills, patio umbrellas or large planters, invest in durable, weather-resistant covers. Make sure the covers are securely fastened to prevent them from becoming loose and flying off. Bungee cords or drawstring ties can help keep covers snugly in place.
• Secure Trash and Recycling Bins: Unsecured trash cans and recycling bins can become dangerous in high winds. Tether them to a fence or wall using bungee cords or tuck them into a sheltered corner to minimize the chance of them tipping over or being carried away by the wind.
• Trim and Clear Surrounding Areas: Loose branches or debris around your yard can harm outdoor structures during a storm. Regularly trim overhanging tree limbs and clear your yard of sticks, leaves or other lightweight objects that could become airborne.
Emergency Supplies
What’ s your emergency plan? When it comes to shortterm scenarios, you should have enough supplies for a seven-day situation in your home, including food, water and medical provisions to take care of your family.
Adventure Medical Kits is the go-to kit for anyone looking for an emergency pack for their home and car.
Photo by Al Mathisen
When snow blankets a Florida backyard, it’ s a clear reminder that storms can be as unpredictable.
If the 911 system is ineffectual, you are your family’ s first responder. It is best practice to layer your survival kit with the needed gear.
The top items you’ ll need should be placed in a ziplock bag that everyone can easily find.
• Imodium for diarrhea
• Ibuprofen or Aleve( 100 tablets minimum)
• Benadryl for allergic reactions
• ACE Wrap
• Tweezers
• Irrigation syringe to rinse out wounds
• Teatree oil to use topically on cuts
• Emergen-C with Vitamin C
• The“ When There Is No Doctor” book
22 AcreageLife March 2025 AcreageLife. com
AcreageLife. com March 2025 AcreageLife 23