Severe weather can strike at any time, particularly in Alabama. We get more than our fair share of tornados, thunderstorms, flash floods and other inclement weather. That’s why it’s so important to always be prepared.
According to weather.gov, severe weather watches and warnings are ineffective if the public does not receive the message or is not knowledgeable of the safety procedures to follow. The purpose of promoting Severe Weather Awareness Week is to provide people with the knowledge necessary to protect their lives when severe weather threatens.
Whether in the form of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes or flash floods, severe weather can develop very quickly. Once a tornado approaches or flooding develops it is too late to start working on a preparedness plan. When severe weather develops and warnings are issued you must take immediate action to protect yourself and others.
So how does one prepare for severe weather? For a severe weather preparedness plan to be successful, it must include the following:
KNOWLEDGE of terminology (such as watches and warnings)
KNOWLEDGE of safety rules when severe weather strikes
RELIABLE method of receiving emergency information
DESIGNATION of an appropriate shelter
DRILLS to test the plan
Click here for more in-depth information on how you can keep your family and property better protected when severe weather strikes.