The serious downsides of climate change, such as the rising ocean levels caused subsequently by melting glaciers and ice sheets, have made the occurrence of devastating storms and flooding even more probable.

And because of the rising ocean levels, storm surges can flood more coastline than they did in previous years. Storm surges can elevate the water level by up to 20 feet, making them extremely dangerous when they happen during high tide.

And unfortunately, there is evidence that climate change is making some storms worse. That is why it is important for those in the vulnerable places of Pantego, TX to be prepared for these dangers at all times.

Below are a few tips to help you with storm preparedness in Pantego, TX.

Keep an Eye on Local Threats

Always be on the lookout for any local threats. Below are a few ways you can keep an eye on the situation in your area:

Pay attention to local weather alerts.
Register for the local emergency notification system, which is available in many communities.

Create an Emergency Kit

It is always helpful to create an emergency kit for yourself and those around you. Always have it close by and readily available in the event of a storm. A partial list of some essentials to include in your emergency kit is provided below:

Water and non-perishable food for at least three days.
Medical supplies and prescription drugs.
Your fully-charged mobile phone and charger.
Extra batteries, a flashlight, a radio, and copies of crucial paperwork.
Pet essentials (if you have a pet)
Weather-appropriate outfit.

Make Emergency Plans

The Red Cross advises taking these simple actions:

Identify and organize responsibilities and plans with your family and loved ones.
In the event that an evacuation is required, make emergency contacts and decide on the location where you will meet up with other members of your household (if you were not already together). You should print out detailed maps and mark the path you intend to travel, as well as have a backup plan in case certain routes are blocked.
If you have pets, decide how to best care for and safeguard them.
Practice trial drills and perform the exercise of evacuating your home at least once a year, taking pets and emergency supplies with you.

Recharge Important Electrical Devices

Winter storms can result in electricity outages, so you’ll need to rely on whatever battery life your electrical gadget has left to get through the storm. If a storm is in the books, it is advisable to be cautious and charge all of your gadgets before the storm and to keep them powered the entire time.

Ensure that Heating Appliances are Working

To prepare for a winter storm, check that all furnaces are in functioning order and perform any necessary maintenance. One recommendation is to keep backup heating sources on hand, such as portable space heaters, and to make sure they are operational.

The best way to make it through a storm is to be prepared for it. With this severe storm preparedness checklist, you’ll be able to get through any storm that comes your way!