Staying Safe When Severe Weather Strikes

Guest Post by Mike Shelton, Riverside Emergency Management

Many people ask why the Midwest is called “Tornado Alley”. This spring is proving to be a very good example of that phrase. From Texas to Iowa strong spring storms can produce severe weather that can produce a tornado. So far this year, including the tornadoes that occurred on May 22 in Joplin, Missouri, there have been 51 tornadoes in the United States where there has been loss of life. 455 lives have been lost so far and still growing. Hundreds of people have been injured and thousands are homeless as a result of these storms.

When you see video and photos of tornado damage, I’m sure you have asked the questions, “How did people survive?” “After the tornado how do people sustain themselves?”

Being prepared is one of the answers. Being prepared means that you have an understanding that weather conditions can change in an instant and having a response plan is essential. Knowing the difference between a watch and a warning is a good first start toward being prepared.
 

A weather watch means that weather conditions are such that a severe and dangerous storm can occur. A weather warning means that the storm is such that it is life threatening and an immediate response to safety is required.

Where do you go during a warning to be safe? Outdoors is not the place to be when a severe storm is in the area. It’s cool to see what a tornado looks like but when you see one it’s too late to seek shelter. When you hear an outdoor warning siren, a NOAA weather alerting or other notification devices alerting you need to seek shelter, NOW! Go to the lowest part of a house like a basement. If no basement is available go to the center and strongest portion of the house like a hall closet or bathroom. Get down low and cover yourself and others. Stay away from windows.

It would be a good idea to have a disaster response kit with you. It can be a back pack filled with emergency supplies that will help support you if you are trapped under debris or until help arrives. Items such as a battery powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, high energy food, bottled water, first aid kit, sturdy shoes and work gloves for a start. Make a kit for each member of the family.
Have a plan on what to do and where to go. Tell other family members of your plan who live outside of the area. If you don’t have a plan, a good place to start is to go to the website, www.preparemetrokc.org. There you can click the link, “My Plan” and within a few minutes you have an emergency plan developed.

Three things to remember before an emergency, have a plan, stay informed, and create a supply kit. For more information on disaster preparedness you can go to the Riverside Emergency Management page or www.preparemetrokc.org.