With Hurricane Laura forecast in the area for tonight and tomorrow, it is a good time for homeowners to make sure they are ready to weather the storm.

Homeowners can protect themselves and their property with a few easy steps:  

Proper planning can help save your family from injury and inconvenience when severe weather strikes. Prepare your family for severe winds by creating a disaster preparedness plan, including a disaster survival kit and an emergency evacuation plan.

Stay informed on the potential for severe winds.

Getting up-to-the-minute information is an important part of staying safe in any weather emergency.  

• When severe weather threatens, tune in to a NOAA Weather Radio or battery-powered radio for updates. 
• A high wind advisory means that sustained winds of over 25 miles per hour are predicted.
• Thunderstorm , tornado , and hurricane warnings should be taken very seriously, as they mean that severe weather has been spotted and is on its way. 

• When severe winds occur, move to the middle of your home or basement, away from windows and glass doors. 
• Try to take cover under a staircase or a heavy piece of furniture. 
• Do not stay in a manufactured home during severe winds. They are easily overturned by high winds, and flying debris can puncture their light frames and exteriors.
• If you live an area prone to severe winds, you may want to build a safe room in your home. A safe room is an area of your home that has been reinforced to provide protection from broken glass and flying debris. 
• An experienced contractor can build a safe room with a reinforced roof, walls, and ceilings in a new or existing home.