Just about everyone I’ve talked to lately says how tired they are of our cold weather and that they are ready for spring. We all look forward to the days of sunshine, warm breezes and fresh air.
We need to remember, though, that the spring season also brings the possibilities of severe weather and take some time to plan ahead to keep ourselves and our families safe. This is Ohio’s Severe Weather Awareness Week – March 18-24, 2018 and a perfect time to remind ourselves how to keep safe.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reminds us that severe thunder storms and tornadoes are much more prevalent at this time of the year and it is important to have a safety plan in place. Some of their suggestions include:
- If you are inside your house or other building:
- Identify shelter locations well before the storm hits.
- Seek a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
- Stay away from doors, windows, and outside walls.
- Stay in the center of the room, and avoid corners because they attract debris.
- Avoid auditoriums, cafeterias and gymnasiums that have flat, wide-span roofs.
- If you are outside:
- Try to seek shelter in a nearby building if you can.
- Never try to outrun a tornado in your car.
- If there is a low lying area such as a ditch nearby, you can lie down in that area and cover your head with your arms.
- If you are in your workplace
- It is a good idea to have a plan that everyone in the building has practiced.
- Know who is in the office so that everyone can be accounted for before and after the storm.
- Have a basic first aid kit and other emergency supplies such as extra water, a flashlight, a battery operated radio and batteries to operate them with.
- Have an emergency contact plan for your family or coworkers. Designate one number that everyone should call to connect.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has created documents that can help us all better prepare for these severe weather occurrences. They provide definitions to explain the difference between watches and warnings and appropriate measures to take with each level of warning.
Take the time to make a plan for your family and co-workers as we enter this time of the year when severe weather can strike at a moment’s notice.
Written by: Marilyn Rabe, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Franklin County, rabe.9@osu.edu
Reviewed by: Michelle Treber, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Pickaway County, treber.1@osu.edu
Sources:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Natural Disasters and Severe Weather. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/tornadoes/prepared.HTML
Federal Emergency Management Agency. How to Prepare for a Tornado. (https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1409003506195-52740fd2983079a211d041f7aea6b85d/how_to_prepare_tornado_033014_508.PDF
The American Red Cross . Be Red Cross Ready.
http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4240190_Be_Red_Cross_Ready.pdf
Do you know what to do in a tornado, thunderstorm, fire or flood? How about your children? What if you are not home? Do you have an emergency plan? These are some difficult questions. Now is a good time to start teaching your children how to be prepared.
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