Hoosiers are no stranger to unpredictable weather, as well as the need for spring storm preparations to get ready. During the spring and summer seasons, severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rain, hail, wind damage or flooding to our state. While no one can predict exactly when and where severe weather will strike this season, a few spring storm preparation tips can help keep you ready for whatever happens.
- Know in advance the best place to take safe shelter inside your home. An interior room with no exterior windows such as a bathroom or a large walk-in closet is a good choice. Make sure everyone in the family is aware of where to go if severe weather strikes.
- Compile an emergency kit in a waterproof container such as a plastic storage box or a couple of 5-gallon plastic buckets with lids. Contents should include flashlights with fresh batteries, blankets, a first-aid kit, non-perishable food such as freeze-dried and a portable radio. Also store at least one gallon of bottled water per occupant of the house.
- Invest in a NOAA weather radio. These units automatically activate 24/7 to warn of impending severe weather.
- Outside, keep weak or dying tree branches trimmed back away from the house to prevent damage if they fall. Also, if you have warning before severe weather strikes, cover the outdoor component of your central air conditioner unit. Commercially available covers are made to fit, or you can place a sheet of plywood on top of the unit instead and weight it down with bricks.
- Turn off HVAC equipment and other major appliances at the circuit breaker. For more comprehensive protection against damaging power surges that occur during severe weather—as well as direct lightning strikes—consider having a whole-house surge protection device installed at your main electrical panel.
For more spring storm preparation tips, talk to the folks at Paitson Bros., your Wabash Valley source of helpful HVAC advice since 1922.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about storm season preparation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 812-645-6859.
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Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922