Severe Thunderstorm Action Plan Can Save Lives
Severe thunderstorms often trigger violent winds that can cause death but having the proper plan in place can help save lives before the next rumble of thunder this season.
On April 13, 2022, in Rison, Ark., a thunderstorm toppled trees, one of which fell on a mobile home and killed a person inside. On the same day, one person was injured when an apparent tornado blew over a truck, uprooted trees and snapped powerlines in Stilwell, Okla. These are just two recent examples showcasing the power of severe thunderstorms. Before the next severe weather outbreak, be sure to create a checklist of the best practices to avoid being injured should a destructive thunderstorm move over your area.
The first task is to create a communication plan with your family that includes an emergency meeting place, which should be a basement, storm cellar or room with no windows. If you live in a mobile home, this emergency meeting place should be a nearby safe building such as a church that is within a few miles of your location, easy to access and is open most days and nights. If there are none nearby, consult with a family or friend to see if you and your family can hunker down in their home. If your nearby friend or family is frequently out of town or away from home, perhaps they can give you the key to their house to access when severe weather threatens.
It's also a good idea ahead of the next severe weather outbreak to trim branches and trees near your property to minimize damage from wind gusts. Keep abreast of changing weather with NOAA weather radio, local news or radio or with alerts through your phone. The day before severe weather is possible, secure loose lawn ornaments and if a severe thunderstorm becomes imminent, close doors and windows and move lawn furniture inside, if possible.
Obviously, there will be times when family is at work or school during severe thunderstorms. In that case, stay away from windows, do not venture to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums. If you are outside, avoid going into sheds and storage facilities. Just like mobile homes, these small units can be ripped apart in seconds from flying debris or just the sheer magnitude of the winds. Taking shelter under a tree will make you more at risk to be hit by lightning and trees can easily fall during the high winds within a storm. If you are driving along the highway, pull off to the side of the road and stay in the vehicle, unless there is a secure nearby building within reasonable distance.
Keep informed with local news, weather updates on your phone or NOAA weather radio to know when the course is clear to resume normal activity. Let your family and close friends know you are safe with a phone call or text message. If a storm triggered damage around your vicinity, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes before going outside to assess the damage.
Having a through plan of action before the next severe thunderstorm threatens your workplace, school or community will go a long way in ensuring your safety. The WeatherBug application can be a vital source to know the latest watches and warnings for your area.
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Story Image: A sign directing folks to the nearest severe weather shelter is seen. (Courtesy of NOAA)
