As Wisconsin springs forward and daylight saving time begins, it is also an opportunity to prepare for unpredictable weather.
“With spring comes more risk flooding and severe weather,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle. “That’s why it’s a great time to review what to do in an emergency and take steps to make our homes more resilient to all hazards.”
Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 10 at 2 a.m.
Planning is key to being ready for the diverse weather patterns that can affect people’s safety as severe weather begins. ReadyWisconsin encourages everyone to have an emergency plan in place to help you and family members know where to go or how to contact each other if you need to leave home quickly. Take time this weekend to review those plans with everyone in your home and make any needed updates.
People are also encouraged to have an emergency kit in their home with enough essential supplies for at least 72 hours after a disaster. An emergency kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency, such as flashlights, first aid kit, and food and water.
With the additional sunlight, it is also an ideal time to get your home ready to mitigate the effects of disasters.
- Remove debris from your gutters, drains, and downspouts. Make sure downspouts direct water away from your home and not toward your foundation.
- Trim tree limbs and branches so they do not snap off during high winds and damage your home. If you have limbs hanging near power lines, contact your utility provider about having them removed.
- If your home has a sump pump, test it to make sure it is clean and operable. Consider adding a battery-powered backup sump pump to keep the system working if the power goes out.
- Review your home insurance policies to ensure you are covered for hazards that threaten your area. Keep an up-to-date record of your household items and valuable belongings. Take photos of appliances, as well as the interior and exterior structure of your property. These are important when filing insurance claims.
- Check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Test the equipment to ensure it is functioning. Invest in new alarms if they are near or past the recommended replacement age.
For more tips on emergency preparedness or what to stock in an emergency kit, visit https://readywisconsin.wi.gov. You can also follow ReadyWisconsin on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
