Pennsylvania Storm Safety Tips

Stay Safe: 5 Essential Pennsylvania Storm Safety Tips Every Family Should Know

When nature strikes, it doesn’t give much warning. The recent severe storm that tore through Pennsylvania, with wind gusts reaching up to 80 mph, power outages affecting over 300,000 residents, and the tragic loss of four lives, is a sobering reminder of how quickly weather can turn deadly.

Whether it’s a hurricane, tornado, or intense thunderstorm, being prepared isn’t optional—it’s essential. Here are 5 smart storm safety tips to help protect your family, home, and business when disaster looms.

1. Build an Emergency Kit that Covers the Essentials

A well-stocked emergency kit can make all the difference during and after a storm. Your kit should include:

• At least 3 days’ worth of water (1 gallon per person, per day)
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlights and batteries
• First-aid supplies and necessary medications
• Copies of important documents in a waterproof container
• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Cell phone chargers (portable)
• Cash in small bills
• Pet food and supplies, if needed

Tip: Keep your kit in an easy-to-reach location that every household member knows.

2. Know Where to Shelter Safely

The right shelter depends on the type of storm:

Tornado: Go to a basement or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.

Hurricane or strong storm: Stay in a small, windowless, interior room on the lowest level.

Don’t wait until sirens go off—know your safe spot now, and do practice drills with your family.

3. Stay Connected to Trusted Weather Alerts

One of the most effective ways to stay safe is to stay informed. Sign up for:

• Local emergency alerts
• FEMA or NOAA Weather Radio updates
• Local news app notifications

Timely warnings give you those few extra minutes that could save a life.

4. Protect Your Property Before the Storm Hits

Property damage is often preventable. Take time to:

• Trim tree branches that could fall
• Bring in outdoor furniture or secure it
• Seal or board up windows and glass doors
• Reinforce garage doors
• Inspect roofs and fix any loose shingles

These proactive steps can reduce costly damage and help keep your family safe.

5. Create and Practice a Family Communication Plan

When phones go down and chaos hits, a clear plan is your best safety net:

• Choose a family meeting location
• Assign one out-of-town contact everyone can check in with
• Teach children how to call 911 and your emergency contacts
• Know your evacuation routes and community shelters
• Review the plan regularly, especially before storm season.

The Pennsylvania storm was a wake-up call. Lives were lost, homes destroyed, and communities shaken. Let’s not wait for the next emergency to act. Preparedness saves lives.

Take these steps now to protect what matters most—your family, your pets, your home, and your peace of mind.

If you have questions about how insurance can help in disaster recovery or want to review your home or business coverage, call Klinger Insurance Group today at 301-428-4935. We’re here to help you weather any storm.