Spring Weather Safety

Spring weather can be unpredictable. When severe weather hits unexpectedly, the risk of injury and weather-related death increases, so planning makes sense. Prepare for storms, floods, and tornadoes as if you know in advance they are coming because in the spring, they very likely will.

Spring is the time of year when many things change—including the weather. Temperatures can swing back and forth between balmy and frigid. Sunny days may be followed by a week of stormy weather. Sometimes extreme weather changes can occur even within the same day. Thunderstorms cause most of the severe spring weather. They can bring lightning, tornadoes, and flooding. Whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, thunderstorms can occur. For much of the world, this usually happens in spring and summer.

Advance planning for thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, and floods requires specific safety precautions. You can follow many of the same steps for all extreme weather events. Keep an emergency kit on hand. Some items to include are:

• A battery-operated flashlight, a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio, and extra batteries for both
• An emergency evacuation or shelter plan, including a map of your home and, for every type of severe weather emergency, routes to safety from each room
• A list of important personal information, including:
  • Telephone numbers of neighbors, family, and friends
  • Insurance and property information
  • Telephone numbers of utility companies
  • Medical information
• According to the American Red Cross a first aid kit may include:
  • Non-latex gloves
  • An assortment of adhesive bandages
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes
  • Absorbent compress dressings
  • Tweezers
  • Scissors
  • Adhesive cloth tape
  • Aspirin packets (81 mg each)
  • A first aid instruction booklet (NOTE: Customize your first aid kit to meet your individual and family needs.)
• A 3- to 5-day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• An emergency kit in your car

Prepare your family members for the possibility of severe weather. Tell them where to seek appropriate shelter as soon as they are aware of an approaching storm. Practice your emergency plan for every type of severe weather. Show family members where the emergency supplies are stored, and make sure they know how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity in your home. Often by the time we are aware of an approaching storm, we have little, if any, time to prepare for it. But we do know that when spring arrives, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods are real possibilities. So why not take the surprise factor out of severe weather and prepare yourself, your family, and your home?

Source: CDC