Spring is in full swing for many Kentucky residents as they get outside to enjoy the sunnier days and warmer temperatures. However, there is still potential for severe weather through the end of the season. Keep reading and learn how to spring into action if the time comes!
- Severe weather is any type of weather that can pose a risk to life and property, including strong winds, lightning, and tornadoes.
Why Does it Happen in the Spring?
- During the spring, warm air moves north while the last of the winter cold moves south. This temperature contrast can cause intense, highly variable weather conditions such as thunderstorms and tornadoes.
What is the Difference Between Storm Watches, Advisories, and Warnings?
- Weather Watch: Hazardous weather is possible. Be prepared with a plan of action in case an advisory or warning occurs.
- Weather Advisory: Hazardous weather is likely to occur or is already occurring. Advisories are less serious than warnings, but caution should still be exercised and plans put into effect.
- Weather Warning: Extremely hazardous weather is likely to occur or is already occurring. Conditions pose a threat to life or property. Take action immediately.
What are the Dangers of Severe Weather?
- Severe weather can have damaging effects. Some of the biggest threats include hail, lightning strikes, flash flooding, strong winds, and tornadoes. All of these have the potential to destroy property and cause fatalities if people and animals are not well protected.
How to Prepare for Severe Weather
Get an emergency kit – and practice using it! A good emergency kit should include, at the minimum:
- Non-perishable food and water in sealed containers – one gallon per person, per day, for as many days as needed
- First aid kit – along with the training to use everything in it
- Medications – both prescription and over-the-counter
- Any extra supplies needed for pets, children, people with disabilities, and/or older adults
- Physical copies of all important documents
- Emergency radio – ideally one that runs off batteries or a hand crank, and that receives AM, FM, and NOAA weather radio channels
- Flashlight(s) and extra batteries
- Extra cash for emergency purchases – credit card systems and ATMs may not be accessible
Discuss the following with your loved ones:
- What are the most likely emergencies in our area?
- How will we receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is our shelter plan?
- What is our evacuation route?
- What is our communication plan?
- Do we need to update our emergency kit(s)?
- What are our responsibilities and individual needs in times of emergency?
- Where are supplies and emergency information kept in our household?
Make a Plan. A family communication plan should include:
- Basic contact information (phone numbers, addresses)
- ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact(s)
- Other important phone numbers and contact information (e.g. schools, workplaces, doctors, specialists, pharmacies, veterinarians)
- Out-of-town contact (a far-away relative or friend to reach out to in case you are asked to evacuate or need to update your loved ones)
- Meeting places (designated locations for your family to meet in case you can’t get home)
Prepare Your Home in case you need to shelter in place.
- Tidy up your home.
- Clear debris from gutters, drains, and downspouts.
- Have a professional inspect your roof to catch any damage or weakening before it worsens.
- Install a lightning protection system if you can. Make sure surge protectors on outlets are functioning.
- Check the sump pump and/or grinder station to ensure that water is draining properly.
- Stow away yard items so they don’t get swept away and become dangerous debris during strong winds.
- Cover windows and storm shutters to help protect you from broken, flying glass.
Take Action when severe weather strikes.
- Indoors: Stay away from windows; use flashlights and a battery-powered NOAA weather radio to monitor weather reports; disconnect electrical equipment; avoid taking a shower/bath or using any appliances with running water (lightning can send electric currents through metal plumbing).
- Outdoors: Stay low; find shelter in a building, if possible; keep away from trees, tall objects, metal objects, and water; get to land as soon as possible if you are boating or swimming.
- While Driving: Reduce your speed; pull off to the road shoulder, away from tall objects that could fall; turn on emergency flashers and remain in the car until the storm passes; do not touch metal objects; do not drive on water-covered roads.
Article by: Maeve Miller
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS