The Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness week is April 20-24, 2009 and is designed to help teach Minnesotans about weather hazards and provides resources to minimize the risks associated with severe weather. Everyone is encouraged to make a plan, build an emergency kit and practice drills during this week. For details on activities during the week, visit MN Department of Homeland Security web site at http://www.severeweather.state.mn.us/

There are many ways you can prepare for severe weather; here are some helpful hints from FEMA, American Red Cross and the National Weather Service.

• Create an Emergency Disaster kit that includes water, food, prescriptions, pet supplies, first aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries and emergency papers such as copies of driver’s licenses, phone numbers of relatives, and much more. For a complete list of supplies go to the www.Ready.Gov web site to help you prepare a kit.

• Always have an All Hazards battery operated radio, or they are called NOAA Weather alert radios. These radios really work and help save lives. You can pick one of these radios up at most hardware stores, grocery stores for about $30 and up.

• Pay attention to the weather reports in the morning to see if there will be severe weather that day. If you are going outside for outdoor activities, pay close attention to the weather as it might be nice in the morning but later in the day it could become severe.

• Outdoor sirens are made for listening while outdoors, they are not intended to be heard while indoors. Pay attention to them while outdoors and when they sound go inside as soon as possible. There is NO siren sound for signaling “All clear”, that is a myth.

• Select a place where family members should gather – your basement, or if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this area free of clutter.

• Know that a tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area, and a tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.

• If a tornado watch is issued, listen to local radio , television or NOAA Weather Alert radio for updates and be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of the approaching tornado may alert you. Many say it sounds like a freight train.

• If a tornado warning is issued and you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or life flat in a ditch or low-lying area. If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety.

• If a tornado occurs, watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of damaged areas after the storm passes. Listen to local radio for information and instructions. Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage. Do not use candles.

• If outdoors and you see a thunderstorm in the distance, start thinking of going inside as lightning can strike 10 miles away from the storm, even if it’s sunny where you are.

Remember; be aware of severe weather as it can happen upon us very quickly. Be prepared and stay safe this spring and summer season!

If you are interested in finding out more information on staying safe and preparing for severe weather, visit one of these web sites below to learn more.

Sources for more information:
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http://www.Ready.Gov
http://www.weather.gov/om/severeweather/index.shtml
http://www.severeweather.state.mn.us/
http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/tornadoes.shtm
http://www.TracyMNWeather.com

Kevin Haney
Severe Studios Safety Coordinator
NREMT-B, NWS Skywarn Instructor