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Spring...Into Being Prepared for Severe Weather!

Spring...Into Being Prepared for Severe Weather!

Published: March 01, 2024

Spring showers have the potential to become severe weather bringing thunderstorms with potential lightning, tornadoes and flash flooding – all of which can develop so rapidly that an advance warning may not possible. Now is the time to get prepared by updating your family emergency plan and supply kit so you are ready should severe weather strike.

To encourage planning and preparation for severe weather, March 3-9, 2024, is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in North Carolina and serves as a reminder to all, the importance of planning for unexpected thunderstorms and tornadoes that could impact our state.

A Statewide Tornado Drill is scheduled for Wednesday March 6th at 9:30 A.M.  During this time please take a few moments to practice your severe weather safety plan. Remember for a tornado to seek shelter on the lowest floor of a sturdy structure and away from windows. Practicing now will allow you to respond quickly when severe weather heads your way.

Keep your home a safe haven this severe weather season and use the following safety tips:

  • Develop a Family Emergency Plan and discuss thunderstorm safety with all members of your household. Make sure your family knows basic safety measures, such as first aid, CPR and how to use a fire extinguisher. Ensure to address the specific needs of your family.
  • Assemble an Emergency Supplies Kit. Include a 3-day supply of non-perishable foods and bottled water. Keep it in a location that is easy to access. Also consider having emergency supplies at work and in your vehicles.
  • Stay alert by listening to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radio and monitoring local weather reports. Know the differences between Watches and Warnings.
  • Practice your plan. Make sure every family member is aware of where to go, what to do and who to call in case of an emergency. Also, create a Family Emergency Communication Planning for the “What IF…” situations that could arise and make sure to keep your cell phones charged.

For more additional information, please go to www.readync.gov for general preparedness tips, or go to https://www.ready.gov/severe-weather for all types of severe weather tips, and toolkits for preparing for Severe Weather.

Take time now to prepare; it could make all the difference.

 

Graphics courtesy of the National Weather Service https://www.weather.gov/wrn/spring-tornado-sm#sp001