Your Summer Storm Survival GuidE
Go-To Tips for Families
June marks the beginning of summer fun, but something far more dangerous lurks — thunderstorm season. Residents in the Midwest and in the South can experience up to 110 thunderstorms each year. ( Fun fact : Florida is often the stormiest and can see anywhere from 80 to more than 100 days of thundering weather.) Yet, no matter how experienced you are at riding out thunderstorms, each one has the potential to be dangerous. Before the clouds roll in this summer, consult this helpful guide.
Clueing In to a Controlling Spouse
PREPARE PROPERLY AHEAD OF TIME.
Telltale Signs
Take a few moments at the beginning of each summer to review the basics. Create or update an emergency kit — include water bottles, blankets, flashlights, and portable chargers. Nonperishable foods, like jerky or granola bars, can also be beneficial. You should also include a weather radio, which will work when the power goes out and can provide updates from the National Weather Service. Then, identify places where you can take shelter, like in your home, vehicle, or nearby buildings. Store outdoor tools and toys properly and trim trees as needed to prevent wind debris.
In this edition, we’re exploring the value of healthy friendships and the importance of having friends and a solid social support network. As mentioned, if someone you know has drifted away or isn’t maintaining the friendships that were once important to them, this may be a sign that their spouse is controlling. Part of being a good friend is staying attuned to what’s going on in your friends’ lives. Often those closest to us are able to see things that we ourselves may miss or take for granted as normal, even if the behavior itself is far from it. The outside perspective you can provide as a friend is invaluable. That, coupled with your desire for your friends and family to live a happy, fulfilling life, means you may be the first line of defense and the voice of reason for friends in a controlling relationship.
STAY CALM IN THE STORM.
Seek shelter immediately in one of your identified areas. Avoid using landline phones and unplug all appliances, like toasters, TVs, or computers. (Play games, read books, or tell creepy stories to keep the family entertained.) But don’t stand or sit near windows because high winds can knock trees or other debris through the window. Staying away from your sinks and showers is also vital! If lightning strikes your home, it can travel through the water stream and strike you.
If you notice any of the following behaviors, your friend may be in an unhealthy relationship with a controlling partner:
FOLLOW SAFETY GUIDELINES DURING A POWER OUTAGE.
• Their spouse makes promises on important issues and then breaks them.
Don’t panic! Utilize your emergency kit and rely on your flashlights, rather than light candles, which could start a fire. Avoid opening your refrigerator or freezer to limit how much cold air escapes and never eat meat or dairy products that are 40 degrees F or warmer. You’re also at risk for increased exposure to carbon monoxide if you use a gas stove, generator, or space heater to warm up. Avoid doing this as much as possible. Listen for updates on your weather radio and evacuate when necessary.
• Their spouse puts them down in front of other people.
• Their spouse doesn’t seem to care about their feelings or hurting them.
• Their spouse gets upset or angry for trivial reasons.
• Their spouse is obsessed with money or hides important details of shared finances.
For more ways to prepare for storm season, visit RedCross.org.
• Their spouse makes threats about what will happen if they try to leave.
• Their spouse accuses them of being unfaithful but is unfaithful themself.
Is your friend or client in need of a guide related to recent job or income loss? The book can be downloaded for FREE at SupportModificationBook.com. If your friend or client lives in the South Florida area, we’ll mail them a hard copy of the book upon request. OUR SUPPORT MODIFICATION BOOK CAN HELP!
It can be difficult to notice these red flags if your friend or family member’s spouse has been successful in isolating them from those they were once close to. That’s why it’s important to check in if you suspect something is going on. Always show up for scheduled meet-ups, especially if someone you know is in an especially vulnerable situation. Your encouragement and support will mean a lot. If you know someone who’s in a controlling situation and they’re ready to talk about their options for moving forward, let them know we specialize in these cases. Our website, BruceLawPA.com, has a plethora of free resources, and we’re just a phone call away.
2 • BrucePA.com
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