Weather-Ready Nation Prepare Before The Storm (04APR17 - 07APR17)

[WesL]

As a part of our new Ambassadorship with NOAA's Weather-Ready Nation initiative, we are providing a few tips to hopefully help you plan for this week full of severe weather events for the southeast.

The primary threats for this week include Severe Thunderstorms that could bring:

• Winds in excess of 60+ mph
• Hail
• Flooding
• Tornadoes

What you can do before the storm.

At Home

• Take a moment to walk around your home. Remove or secure objects (i.e. toys, lawn ornaments, building materials, etc) that could become projectiles in high wind scenarios.
• Check doors and windows to ensure that seals are tight to prevent blowing rain.
• Learn where and how to safely turn off gas, water and electricity in your home.
• Check the batteries in your weather radio, flashlights and smoke detectors and ensure they are is in working order.
• Perform preventive maintenance and keep extra fuel for equipment that could help after a storm strikes (i.e. chainsaw, ATV, generators)
• Check shelter areas in your home. Ensure they are clear of heavy and glass objects that could harm you during a storm. Stockpile items to entertain and keep kids (and adults) comfortable during long duration events. If you have pets, stock up a few treats to help comfort animals during a storm as well as a leech in you need to leave quickly.
• Keep battery powered AM/FM radio in your severe weather shelter area.
• While sheltered keep phones charged.

At Work or School

• Review severe weather plans for your workplace or school. If you can't find them ask!
• If possible, avoid parking near or under trees, power lines or light poles.
• If you wear business attire, consider keeping a change of clothes and shoes in the car or office.
• During severe weather, keep your phone charged.

On The Road

• Be aware of your location and think about alternate routes to your home/work in the vent your main route is blocked.
• Consider keeping an emergency bag in your car with basic first aid supplies, towel, flashlight, basic tools (screw drivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, gloves, etc)
• If you end up in a storm area ensure that you are clear of power lines.
• Take a few moments to check the air pressure in your spare tire.

Preparing Your Mobile Devices

• Remember to have multiple app sources of information (i.e. Local TV Station Apps, Baron Threat Net, Weather Channel)
• Check that Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on your device (https://www.fema.gov/frequently-asked-questions-wireless-emergency-alerts)
• If your internet goes out during a storm, be sure to disable your WiFi on your phone. Some phones will not automatically switch over to wireless phone data.
• Write down key contacts phone numbers in the event your phone gets damaged or charge doesn't hold. Keep the list on your person. (I've had storm survivors ask to borrow a cell phone but not remember the number of their loved ones)
• If you have a portable battery for your mobile device, ensure that it is fully charged.

Naturally this list isn't all inclusive and we would love to hear your suggestions as well. Take a moment to share the link to this post on your social media and consider following us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TalkWeatherNow and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TalkWeatherNow.

Additional ideas can be found in our Severe Weather Awareness Week thread as well.

Wes

 

[MattW]

Consider keeping emergency supplies on you where possible. I personally keep a small rechargeable flashlight clipped to my left pocket at all times, and my pocket knife only a little less (work, certain government buildings, etc.).

 

[WesL]

Consider keeping emergency supplies on you where possible. I personally keep a small rechargeable flashlight clipped to my left pocket at all times, and my pocket knife only a little less (work, certain government buildings, etc.).

Good idea. I keep this crank/solar radio/flashlight/phone charger in my backpack. http://amzn.to/2ormRZD

 

[Kim30]

Don't wait unti there's a warning. We have watches for a reason.

 

[gaikkeb]

It's hard to make everyone understand that they need to be ready. I do what I can and I pass along information as best as possible. Some people just don't get it, I got my fingers crossed that tomorrow's storms are minimal and don't cause a loss of life. Be safe everyone!