Spring weather can be very unpredictable in some parts of the country. If you are planning to do a contract in an area you have never been to, there are a few things to keep in mind. Temperatures in some areas can vary from very high to very low within a 24-hour period of time. Be prepared in some locations to apply sunscreen one day and wear a winter coat the next! An umbrella in your car at all times is a good idea too, as those sunny days are sometimes followed by a massive thunderstorm.
As you are packing your car and your bags, ask yourself if you are prepared in case of a thunderstorm, a snowstorm, or even a tornado. Some of the items to keep in a safe place would include:
- Flashlight
- Portable phone charger
- First aid kit
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food items
- Blankets
Once you arrive to a new destination make sure to keep an eye on weather patterns daily and be prepared. If you do not see a storm shelter nearby, make sure to ask the apartment complex or facility where you work where you should go in case of emergency weather. When spring weather arrives, often times you will have very little warning and therefore very little time to prepare, so know what to do, where to go, and have items on hand before it happens.
While preparing for your next contract, don’t forget to also prepare your own home for spring weather. Depending on where you live, you may need to board up windows, get your air conditioning checked, or make sure your sump pumps are working properly in your basements. Make sure you have someone you trust watching your house and your things and letting you know if or when a storm hits. Lastly, have fun and enjoy the new facility and new co-workers you will meet and become friends with over the next few weeks!
Staci Neneman is the Branch Manager for the Advanced Practice division of Aureus Medical Group.