Weathering Spring Storms

Spring storms can be breathtaking and dangerous, bringing a mix of powerful winds, heavy rains and sometimes even hail or tornadoes. For homesteaders, this volatile weather doesn’t just disrupt daily life — it can put your property, crops, family and animals at serious risk. Preparing for these unpredictable conditions isn’t just smart; it’s essential to keeping your homestead safe and sound during this challenging season.

Fortunately, a little planning can go a long way. From securing outdoor items to creating a family emergency plan and protecting your livestock, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize the danger.

Understanding Storm Risks

In recent years, there have been many types of severe weather and extreme weather patterns, which are reason enough to watch the forecast and prepare for the worst. Heavy rain can lead to flooding and tornadoes can be hard to predict. Every family needs an emergency plan for different weather and a list of supplies, depending on your geographical location.

Some cities have sirens that sound when severe weather is coming, and texts will be sent when it’s time to find a safe place. You may need to prepare your homestead for a flood, tornado and in some cases, a late season snowstorm.

The Importance of Taking a Home Inventory

Before a disaster strikes, taking an inventory of your home and videos of everything inside of value is important. Keep receipts for pricey items and electronics, as these depreciate quickly. Document basics, such as how many pairs of jeans you have, and keep this updated. This is a best practice regardless of the region you live in and is something you should prioritize.

Securing Outdoor Items

Spring storms can whip up powerful winds and pounding rain, putting outdoor items at risk of damage or becoming hazardous projectiles. Secured belongings are crucial for both safety and keeping your homestead in good shape.

There are several companies that make a window film designed to keep a window intact after it has been shattered by high winds.

Anchor Heavy Furniture Pieces: Outdoor tables, chairs and benches can easily tip or slide in strong winds. Prevent them from moving by anchoring them down with heavy-duty straps, weights or sandbags. Furniture designed with built-in tie-down options or those made from heavier materials like wrought iron is also a good choice for storm-prone areas. Place a piece of wood in your windows to prevent forced openings.

Use Protective Covers: For items that are too cumbersome to move quickly, such as grills, patio umbrellas or large planters, invest in durable, weather-resistant covers. Make sure the covers are securely fastened to prevent them from becoming loose and flying off. Bungee cords or drawstring ties can help keep covers snugly in place.

Secure Trash and Recycling Bins: Unsecured trash cans and recycling bins can become dangerous in high winds. Tether them to a fence or wall using bungee cords or tuck them into a sheltered corner to minimize the chance of them tipping over or being carried away by the wind.

Trim and Clear Surrounding Areas: Loose branches or debris around your yard can harm outdoor structures during a storm. Regularly trim overhanging tree limbs and clear your yard of sticks, leaves or other lightweight objects that could become airborne.

Emergency Supplies

What’s your emergency plan? When it comes to short-term scenarios, you should have enough supplies for a seven-day situation in your home, including food, water and medical provisions to take care of your family

If the 911 system is ineffectual, you are your family’s first responder. It is best practice to layer your survival kit with the needed gear.

The top items you’ll need should be placed in a ziplock bag that everyone can easily find.

• Imodium for diarrhea
• Ibuprofen or Aleve (100 tablets minimum)
• Benadryl for allergic reactions
• ACE Wrap
• Tweezers
• Irrigation syringe to rinse out wounds
• Teatree oil to use topically on cuts
• Emergen-C with Vitamin C
• The “When There Is No Doctor” book

Losing Power

If you lose power for one to three days, you should focus on heating your body rather than the entire house. To concentrate heat, gather family members in one sleeping space. You’ll be camping in your home, so gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth few days!

• Propane heaters: These are intended for small spaces and won’t heat an entire house.
• Sleeping bags: The go-to sleeping bag for emergencies is the Wiggly’s brand as it uses a continuous layer of insulation.
• Alternative fridges: Use a cooler and only open it when absolutely necessary.
• Alternative lighting: LED lanterns are the way to go and will outlast standard light bulbs.
• Weather radios: Get one that has the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration weather band.
• Alternative cooking methods: A propane stove works well and can be used for cooking and heating.
• Backup power options: Power generators can run a few devices at a time, but you’ll need to tally up the watts required to power them to determine what you need.

Protecting Crops and Gardens

If you have potted plants or raised beds, make sure they are secure. Group pots together against a wall and use tie-down methods for lightweight planters. Raise garden tools off the ground, store them in an enclosed shed or hang them on sturdy racks inside your garage.

Use outdoor storage benches, sheds or large waterproof tubs to keep these objects safe and dry. If you’re short on storage space, consider temporarily securing them in a garage or mudroom.

Preparing Shelter for Livestock and Pets

Preparation for yourself also involves preparation for your livestock and pets. Stock up on an extra bag of kibble or cans of cat food for your small animals and have enough to last two weeks.

Ensure you are replete with hay for your horses or other livestock to last two weeks and start training your large animals to step into a trailer as this will be essential if you need to evacuate them.

Make copies of any proof of ownership, animal identification documentation or photos and keep them with your evacuation kit.

Talk with your vet, but you’ll need a water supply, supplements and medications for at least seven days.

Pack leg wraps, restraints, water buckets, hoof care materials, blindfolds for horses (if necessary) and blankets.

Always keep emergency contact cards in your evacuation kit, including veterinarian and pharmacy details. If your large animals are not traveling to another location or the local fairgrounds (which will take animals displaced by a storm), other guidelines exist for preparing a shelter.

• Make sure your shelter is sturdy enough to protect your livestock from the elements:
• Choose a high ground to avoid flooding and potential debris damage.
• Secure any loose items in a barn and provide ample bedding.
• Stock up on clean water that will last at least a week.
• Always have a way to evacuate your animals from a barn or shelter if the situation worsens.

Once the storm passes, inspect your homestead for damage and begin cleanup cautiously. Prioritize checking on crops, animals and structures. And one last note, don’t hesitate to seek support from your community.