It’s Spring time! While that means flowers are blooming, trees are budding and the sun is shining, it also means another severe weather season is upon us. When severe weather patterns strike, the most important thing you can do is seek shelter immediately. The National Weather Service believes that the death toll would be much higher if locals did not respond to weather forecasts and warning systems through text message alerts. Many survivors have also developed emergency prepardness plans before the outbreak of storms.
Devasting tornadoes and other types of severe weather remind us of the importance of emergency and disaster preparedness. Although tornadoes tend to strike more often in the South and Midwest, all states are at risk for tornadoes as well as other types of weather-related disasters. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) provides practical tips for emergency preparedenss planning on its offical website.
While predicting the destruction of property from high winds and tornadic activity is almost impossible, those who develop disaster preparedness plans have an increased chance of survival. Beyond bracing for the duration of the storm, household members should have easy access to basic necessities such as food and water, along with a medical kit.
These items are best kept in a safe room or basement, or an interior, windowless room in your home. Other items to consider having on hand are flashlights, blankets and a crank or battery operated radio.
FEMA encourages all households to have at least a three-day supply of water and food for each person. Each person will require about a gallon of water a day. Another essential supply to pack in your emergency kit is a whistle, which can be used to alert rescue and search party teams if you are trapped in a building or under debris. FEMA also recommends storing extra batteries for radios and flashlights with your food and water.
Your medical kit should contain an assortment of bandages, sterile wipes, gauze, tweezers, latex gloves and antibiotic ointment along with other over-the-counter pain relievers and allergy medication. It is also recommends that you store a few days’ supply of any prescription medication.
Protect youself and your family by being prepared for upcoming severe weather. It could be the difference between life and death.
Be safe!