by Spenser Haszard |
Emergencies happen. Do you have a plan? An emergency plan is crucial for many reasons. Some of those times may be: Tornado, Flood, Earthquake, Wild Fires, Nuclear Dangers, and War. The list goes on and on and on... Clearly it is important to be prepared in the event of the unknown.
What is a plan and why do I need one? When an emergency happens such as a tornado, what will you do? What if the power is out, roads are impassible, and your house is destroyed. On top of this, your spouse is at work on the other side of town, and your children are at school. How will your family reunite? Where will you go? Having a written plan and reviewing it with your family will help to reduce the worries when such an event occurs. How do you make a plan? Begin with the Family Emergency Plan (FEP), which is published by FEMA. This is a good place to start. Tell both a local friend/relative and an out of state friend/relative your plan so they came be a contact in case local communications are unavailable. Make an Emergency Supplies Kit which has important survival supplies. (See right sidebar for details.) Additional suggestions for your plan is available from ready.gov. Regardless of how elaborate you choose to make your plan do it. Plan to have a plan.
NOAA Weather Radio
Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
First Aid Kit
Maps
Cell Phone and Charger(s)
Flashlight(s)
Extra Batteries
Important Documents
Advisory - A lower priority weather hazard is imminent or occurring
Watch - Severe Weather is possible within the next few hours in your county.
Warning - Severe weather is very likely or already occurring now.
The Lincoln area can be hit with very diversely extreme weather. It is important to be aware of the risks that may occur, how to prepare for a natural disaster, and what to do if one should happen. Before storms even develop, meteorologists prepare forecasts predicting the intensity of storm development. It is important to brief yourself with these forecasts before planning your day. The morning of a severe weather day is a perfect time to review your emergency plan and advise others in your family of the severe weather threat. Once a watch has been issued, continue to monitor forecasts and begin watching radar. Soon storms will begin to develop. Familiarizing yourself with radar frequently will help you understand and accurately read the radar. If a warning is issued, follow the instructions provided in the alert and implement your emergency plan if needed.
In Lincoln, the main weather threat are thunderstorms. Often, they become strong or even severe. Though most common in the early spring months, a strong storm can happen in any season. Before storms develop review the latest severe weather forecast and your emergency plan. Once strong storms develop and move into the area, some important tips will help ensure your safety. Firstly, if you are outside and a storm approaches, go indoors. Stay inside until ALL thunder has cleared the area. Lightning can, and has struck from up to 40 miles away. If in an automobile, stay in the vehicle. The metal shell will help protect from lightning. Once indoors, do not make contact with plumbing, including: showering, laundry, dishes as they conduct electricity. Also, stay inside and away from windows and glass doors. Sometimes storms occur during outdoor functions like sports games, picnics, and other outings. Before heading out check the forecast and radar. Know Before You Go®
Mayfield Tornado (1977)
Lightning (June 6, 1974)
Tornado Damage at Terre Haute
(March 23, 1913)
Great Mississippi River Flood
(1927)
Photo Credits to:
Do you remember the Hallam, NE Tornado? On May 22, 2004, an F4 tornado tore through causing one fatality, many injuries, and $175 million in damage. Tornadoes are real. Are you ready for one? Lincoln is in tornado alley. At some unknown date, a tornado will hit. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in Oklahoma issues tornado watches several hours before storms approach your area. Knowing in advance of forecasted severe weather gives time to review your plan and ready for a possible emergency. If a warning is issued, activate your plan. A tornado warning means that a tornado is very likely to form or has been already seen on the ground and confirmed by a trained official. Move to the basement or lowest level of your building. Stay in your safe area until danger has passed. Often, tornado warnings do not result in an actual tornado touchdown, however, every warning should be treated with the utmost concern as anyone in Hallam will confirm.
Flood waters are the #1 weather-related killer in the U.S.. Heavy rains that fall within a short time period (6 Hours or less) are called Flash Floods. During and after a flash flood, roadways are often filled with deep water. When water covers the road, it creates dangerous driving conditions. If a road is covered with water, turn around - don’t drown. Easily, flood waters can sweep a vehicle out of control - even SUV’s. When a flash flood warning is active, use extreme caution during travel. Flash floods can tear out bridges along streams, create mudslides, and destroy buildings. Use extreme caution!
The risks are real. The choice is yours. Will YOU be Ready?
