Spring Forward: Your Seasonal Prep Refresh
April 15, 2025

Spring Forward: Your Seasonal Prep Refresh

As winter fades and the warm temperatures return, it provides a great reminder to refresh your emergency readiness. While many focus on spring cleaning inside, experts know this transition is an ideal time to review or strengthen household resilience. Use this spring checklist to help ensure you and your supplies are ready for any challenges summer may present.

 

Assess Winter's Impact

The harsh winter months can take a toll on your home and property. Take time to:

·       Inspect your roof and gutters for damage, loose shingles, or debris   buildup that could lead to leaks during spring rains.

·       Check your foundation for new cracks from freeze-thaw cycles to stop leaks before they start.

·       Test basement sump pumps before spring thaws and heavy rains arrive.

·       Examine outdoor emergency equipment like water tanks, generators, or other gear that may have been exposed to winter elements.

·       Prune fruit trees and edible plants to spur healthy growth and maximize emergency food options.

 

Review & Refresh Emergency Supplies

Spring is a great time for a reminder to do a yearly check on supplies:

·       Check expiration dates on emergency food, prescriptions and batteries.

·       Inspect water storage that may have been affected by freezing temperatures.

·       Inspect gear or tools for any deterioration.

·       Restock first aid kits with fresh supplies.

·       Replenish or add to your emergency cash fund.

·       Replace toiletries & hygiene items used over the winter months.

·       Update important documents for accuracy or any new information.

·       Rotate stored fuel or chemicals.

·       Refresh pet supplies with new food, medications and other comfort items.

 

Weather the Spring Storm Season

Some regions face increased tornado and severe storm risks during spring:

·       Review your severe weather plan with all household members.

·       Hurricane season is approaching, start preparing now.

·       Ensure everyone remembers how to shut off utilities.

·       Review safest areas in your home for different disaster types.

·       Test weather alert radios and download backup emergency alert apps.

·       Secure or store outdoor items that could become projectiles during high winds.

·       Trim dead tree branches that winter may have weakened near your home.

·       Review your evacuation grab list in case you need to leave quickly.

 

Start or Plan a Garden

Spring is the ideal time to boost your food security:

·       Plan and plant a garden with quick-growing, nutritious family favorites.

·       Start a container garden if space is limited.

·       Consider a rainwater collection system (where legal) before summer droughts.

·       Network with local farmers/farmers markets for potential food sources during disruptions.

 

Prepare Your Vehicle

Your evacuation vehicle needs attention after winter driving conditions:

·       Schedule spring maintenance including brake checks, tire rotation, fluid changes.

·       Check spare tire pressure and condition.

·       Restock vehicle emergency kits with summer gear and updated food and water.

·       Drive your evacuation routes for spring construction or flood-prone areas.

·       Remember to keep fuel tanks at least half-full as severe weather season approaches.

 

Practice Skills

Spring weather is an ideal time for practicing or building skills:

·       Test your family's emergency code words and communication plan.

·       Review first aid skills with household members

·       Consider CPR refresher class if needed.

·       Get outside and move to boost fitness and stamina.

·       Run a spring fire drill to ensure all remain familiar with plan.

·       Refresh any weapon training to keep skills sharp.

·       Test any new gear purchased and still in package from winter purchases.

 

Community Connections

Use the milder weather to strengthen your support network:

·       Reconnect with neighbors after cold winter temperatures that kept everyone inside.

·       Review neighborhood emergency plans for mutual assistance.

·       Join and Network with like-minded groups.

·       Check on vulnerable neighbors who might need extra assistance.

 

Spring provides a great time to address emergency preparedness needs before summer's threats of hurricanes, wildfires, and heat waves arrive. By taking these steps now, you'll build resilience that serves your household well throughout the coming seasons.

 

Remember that preparedness isn't just about surviving disasters; it's about maintaining quality of life during disruptions and recovering quickly afterward. Your spring preparedness efforts are an investment to ensure things are in place, and good shape for the coming summer season.

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