surviving a hailstorm 101

It’s 5:56 am and you hear an alert go off. First thought that comes to mind is that it’s an amber alert as metropolitan Texas cities are rife with this. You check and it infact is. Since you’re up anyway you decide to use the bathroom. Once you return to bed you check your phone again and see another alert. This time it is an alert from the National Weather Service regarding severe weather hailstones and more inducing a possible tornado. 

You read the alerts’ advisory instructions and also couple the reading with more online guidance because this is your first whirlwi— err rodeo. Grab your emergency kit and move to the first floor of your house and to the innermost part without windows.

All the tornado drills from Kittredge Elementary, Chamblee Middle, and Chamblee High have prepared you for this very moment. You’ve got this. 

You head to your walk-in closet blanket, pillow, and emergency kit in tow. 

By this time the hail stones are pattering (actually no they are stoning) against your windows as if threatening to crack them at any moment. You’re secured in your closet but there’s still worry in your heart. What to do next? Should you call your dad? Your mum? You opt to send your neighbor a quick text just to feel some sort of relationship security even in an ‘every man for their own bunker’ situation. 

By 7:05 am the power has gone out and you are vehemently regretting having shitty data  because the texts are going green. By 7:10 am the green texts aren’t sending either. Great, no access to internet or persons. You just pin there. Mental note to self that you should look into getting Elon Musks’ Starlink internet.

Thankfully in a few minutes the hail has subsided and youre able to return to your bed to catch more sleep. The power is still out but at least the more major threat has drastically reduced. 

By 9:30 am the power has returned. You’re finally awake and assess the damages: your left fence has tilted into your neighbors’ yard with one piece fully dismantled. 

You have officially survived a hailstorm/tornado (albeit a latent one) + now you want to write a step-by-step guide on how to survive one, as per guru: 

1. Take note of the innermost part of your house on first floor or in basement (if applicable) that you and family intend to take shelter so that you’re ready to take cover if need be.
2. Have an emergency kit that consists of the following: a flashlight, power bank, sos signal, snacks, medicine, first aid supplies, card games, bottled water.
3. Once you’re secured, reach out to a loved one or neighbor (especially if you live alone) to stay/feel connected.
4. Have and make use of non-perishable  food items because you don’t know how long r be without power.
5. Follow the guidance of the National Weather Service as much as the power situation allows.

After the storm 

1. Check for damages- including in less obvious areas such as the roof (if in an apartment confirm that management is doing an assessment and/or submit necessary reports for repairs).
2. Replenish your emergency kit and/or non-perishable food items
3. Reset clocks and other necessary electronic items once power has been restored.
4. Get rest and take care of yourself. 

Funmi