According to Brian Short, director of Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations, now is the time to be prepared for Spring storms. This is the season that the threat of severe thunderstorms with the potential for lightning, tornadoes and flash flooding can occur. These conditions can develop rapidly with little advance warning. Short says that a great way to be prepared for severe weather is to update family emergency plans and supply kits before the severe weather season gets underway.
This week 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 area.
A tornado drill will be conducted on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. and all government agencies, businesses and schools are encouraged to participate. During the exercise, participants are encouraged to practice severe weather safety plans and seek shelter on the lowest floor of your building, keeping away from windows while continuing to practice social distancing and wearing masks.
Preparation for severe weather is critical. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the National Weather Service have combined forces to encourage residents to plan and prepare. Emergency officials recommend the following safety tips:
Develop a family emergency plan so each member knows what to do, where to go and who to call during an emergency.
Know where the nearest safe room is, such as a basement or interior room away from windows.
Know the terms: WATCH means severe weather is possible. WARNING means severe weather is occurring; take shelter immediately.
Assemble an emergency supply kit for use at home or in your vehicle. Make sure to include a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water.
If driving, leave your vehicle immediately to seek shelter in a safe structure. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle and do not stop under an overpass or bridge.
If there is no shelter available, take cover in a low-lying flat area.
If a severe weather warning is issued it’s also important to knew where to go. If you are at home it is suggested that you should go to a basement, under stairs or in a bathroom or closet.
If you are at work, the basement, if available, should be your first choice if not, then stairwells, bathrooms or closets are also options.
For school buildings it is suggested to seek shelter in inside hallways, small closets and bathrooms. Mobile classrooms, gymnasiums and auditoriums are not good places to shelter due to expansive roofs.
If you get caught outside in a storm you should try to find a sturdy building and if that is not an option, a ditch or other low-lying area can be used but remember to cover your head and watch for flying debris.
If you are in a car, pull over and seek shelter in a building, don’t try to outrun a tornado.
For more information visit www.readync.org.