Flash floods, thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, ice storms, snowstorms, and windstorms are a few types of severe weather mother nature throws at us. It’s easy to be prepared when severe weather arrives with plenty of notice, but it can also knock us off guard, leaving devastation and chaos. It is essential to be prepared for all types of severe weather.
Although it might seem like only a little rain, remember that the weather can be hazardous, even a little rain. About 55 to 60 lightning-related deaths and 400 injuries are recorded each year. Eighty percent of lightning fatalities are males ages 15 to 40. On average, tornadoes kill 60 to 65 people and cause 1,500 injuries per year. They can produce wind speeds of over 200 miles per hour, be a mile wide, and stay on the ground long enough to leave a path of destruction 50 miles long. During hurricanes, winds can reach over 125 miles per hour. When thunderstorms occur, flooding and flash floods are the leading causes of death. Hailstorms can drop stones of ice that are as large as a softball. As you can see, it is essential to know where your safe shelter is and how long it will take you to get there.
It is essential to have a plan, no matter the weather. Time is often of the essence, and it would be best if you acted quickly when severe weather strikes. Here are some safety tips that can help you protect yourself during severe weather:
- Keep a weather radio on hand with extra batteries to stay informed about changing weather conditions.
- Set up a lightning monitor at the job site. There are some cool ones on Amazon.
- Post emergency phone numbers near phones and program them into your cell phone. The internet is an excellent resource, but you cannot rely on it when the power goes out.
- Take action immediately when you hear weather warning sirens.
- Before a storm hits, secure loose materials and park equipment on high ground.
- In a storm, protect yourself from flying debris.
- During thunderstorms, stay away from electrical equipment, wiring, tall equipment, and pipes.
- Consider what you would do if emergency services cut off your water, electricity, gas, and communication.
- Never drive, walk, or swim in floodwaters.
- If you hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. You should take shelter but remember there is no safe place outdoors during a thunderstorm.
Having a plan will make you feel prepared and increase your chance of surviving a severe weather event. You can find more information about preparing for natural and man-made disasters at Plan Ahead for Disasters | Ready.gov.
