How Tech Can Help You Prepare for a Severe Weather Event The helpfulness of technology truly knows no limits. That’s especially true when it comes to severe weather. Over the last several years, technology has come a long way when it comes to weather prediction, safety, and disaster recovery.
While many people tend to think of tech advancements as the latest and greatest iPhone model, the way technology has impacted the meteorological field is incredibly important.
Today’s technology can give us better insight into what to expect from severe weather, as well as earlier intel. That can save lives and keep you and your family safe.
Everything from hurricanes to severe winter storms is being tracked earlier and with more accuracy than ever before. But, how can you utilize this technology to prepare for a severe weather event?
Better Extreme Weather Forecasts
If you’ve ever seen the 1996 film Twister, you know the premise of the movie was all about using technology to better predict the patterns of tornadoes. The scientists and storm chasers in the film wanted to use tech to develop more accurate tornado forecasts and give people more time to get to safety.
While the movie took some creative liberties, it wasn’t far-fetched in knowing that advancements in technology can make a big difference in the accuracy of early weather forecasts and predictions.
New radar technology is giving forecasters the ability to make more accurate predictions faster. Enhanced satellites and supercomputers are also making a big difference in these prediction efforts. Many forecasters are utilizing dual-polarization radars to get more accurate readings. By taking advantage of advancements in technology and using more than one method to predict extreme weather, forecasts are becoming more accurate than ever.
If you’re trying to keep yourself and your family safe, make sure you’re paying attention to severe weather forecasts as they appear. Even if a meteorologist warns of a potential storm or threat days ahead of time, it’s important to take the right precautions. Chances are, they’re using the best tech possible to make that prediction and pass on the information to you.
Utilizing Disaster Data
Nowadays, it seems like you can get information on just about anything at lightning speed (no pun intended!). That’s crucial when it comes to preparing for a severe weather event.
While accurate forecasts are important. Getting real-time information about a natural disaster can help you know what to expect and how to prepare. For example, if areas hit before you by a storm are experiencing flooding, you can prepare by:
- Anchoring large furniture
- Storing important documents
- Turning off your power
- Getting to higher ground
If damaging winds approach your home, take shelter. Simple advice, but natural disasters kill around 60,000 people each year. While some things can’t be avoided, the more you know about how to prepare ahead of time. The safer you’ll be.
Subscribing to instant alerts sent to your smartphone from local weather stations, the National Weather Service, or even area news sources can make it easier to stay safe. Even social media can be helpful in these situations as people share information about what they’re experiencing.
Preparing Your Home
If you live in an area that is prone to severe weather, you can use technology to prepare yourself and your property long before disaster strikes.
Utilizing smart home technology is a great way to keep your home safe and secure before a severe weather event. Some smart home devices can help to remind you of necessary electrical maintenance or repairs that should be made. In case of a power outage or electrical surge, that kind of maintenance will increase the likelihood of your power staying on, in addition to preventing your appliances from getting damaged. Other pieces of technology that can protect you and your home ahead of time include:
A backup generator
Smart sensors for flooding and smoke
Solar panels
Video surveillance to see what’s happening outside
You can also use technology to check in on your home from a safe location during a severe weather event. If you had to evacuate because of a flood or hurricane, for example, you can use your smartphone to control home devices and look at videos to see if there’s any damage. It’s hard for some people to leave their homes, no matter how severe the threat. But, when you know you still have a little bit of control in the palm of your hand, you’ll feel more comfortable about seeking shelter somewhere else.
Technology has made huge strides when it comes to weather prediction, and the general public has benefitted the most. The good news? Those advancements are likely to continue as new tech becomes available. Hopefully, with time, these advancements will continue to alert people faster, keep them safer, and save more lives. You can do your part by utilizing tech advancements now to prepare yourself for severe weather in your area.
