What you need to know to weather the weather

(BPT) - Few things universally touch and impact everyone like the weather does. Regardless of where you live or what you do, the weather influences your day-to-day activities. In fact, approximately 90 percent of all U.S. adults consume weather information on a weekly basis, with most people checking the weather forecast at least once per day, according to a Weather Enthusiast study.

It’s no surprise that keeping tabs on the weather is a natural part of what many people do each day – after all, at a minimum it determines what people do and wear. But the implications of weather extend much further than just the closet or calendar. For example, weather has a big influence on:

* Property. Storms, particularly wind storms and hail, can wreak havoc on property. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates that insurers pay approximately $2 billion in claims every year for vehicles damaged by hail – not to mention the cost policy holders pay for deductibles.

* Online interactions. Recent research from Georgia Tech and Yahoo Labs found a correlation between online reviews and the weather. Days marked by snow, rain or extreme temperatures saw spikes in negative online reviews.

* Preparedness. No matter where you live in the country, understanding the weather forecast informs the decisions that help keep you safe. This is a given for weather prone regions, such as tornado alley or the gulf coast during hurricane season. However, all communities should strive to be a part of a weather-ready nation as severe weather isn’t just relegated to one region, as proven by Hurricane Sandy and the 2008 Atlanta tornado.

While you can’t control the weather, you can control how it affects you in many ways. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when trying to weather the weather:

* If you are a property owner, pay attention to weather alerts. Dedicated weather experts, like those at The Weather Channel, provide real-time, live and local forecast updates on TV and social media channels. These alerts can often provide enough time to get vulnerable property, such as cars and motorcycles, out of harm’s way.

* If you are a small business owner, take time to understand the economics of weather as it relates to your business. Just like negative reviews spike on dismal days, it’s likely that correlations exist between the weather and your customers’ behaviors or your supply chain. Make sure a weather strategy is part of your marketing plan.

* If you are a parent, be sure your family is familiar with weather warning signs and safety measures for when bad weather strikes. The Weather Channel not only provides accurate and local forecasts to warn you of impending weather, it also includes great checklists, infographics and guides on how to keep your family safe before, during and after severe weather.

“With the weather impacting so many facets of life, the importance of timely, local and accurate weather forecasts and analysis cannot be overstated,” says David Kenny, CEO of The Weather Company. “By having a good grasp on how the weather can affect your day, you can be empowered to make smarter, safer and more economic decisions.”

To learn more about how the weather influences your daily life and for resources to help you anticipate and manage the weather, visit www.theweatherchannel.com.