With the warmer weather of spring arriving, so does the threat of severe weather.
Residents of northeast Arkansas should be prepared in case of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms and the flooding that can accompany them, said Joseph Richmond, the director of Mississippi County's Office of Emergency Management.
Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms and can appear suddenly, without warning, Richmond said. Sometimes, tornadoes are invisible until it picks up enough dust, dirt and debris to fill a funnel cloud, which can then be seen. By then, the cloud is very close and can cause severe damage and injury, even death.
"That's why it is so important for families to have a plan in case of a tornado or natural disaster," Richmond said.
Practicing the plan makes it easier to remember what to do in the event of a storm, he added.
According to the national website, www.getready.org, knowing specifically how and where to take shelter during a disaster is a matter of survival. Each family should prepare and emergency supply kit that contains bottled water, non-perishable foods, medications and supplies, a battery-operated radio and extra batteries, clothing and bedding, a flashlight and first aid kit. It's also a good idea to include copies of important documents, such as identification, Social Security cards, insurance policies and the like.
Each family should also develop a family emergency plan.
"Your family may not be in the same place when something happens," Richmond said. Each family member should know how to contact others or arrange a specific meeting place so that all can be accounted for safely. "Know what to do in case of an emergency. Know who's going to pick up kids at school or adults at work. Know where to meet and how to get there if transportation is affected."
Ready.org suggests having an out-of-town contact for family members in case local communications are affected. That way, the contact can inform each family member who calls about the others who have made contact.
Check with schools and workplaces regarding their emergency policies. Will kids be safer at school than at the family's meeting place? If so, plans should be agreed upon so that everyone will be safe.
In case of a tornado, a storm shelter or the basement of buildings provide the most protection. If underground shelter is not available, persons should go to the lowest level and get into an interior hallway. If a person cannot get to the lowest level, an interior hallway or room provides more protection that an outside room. Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls if possible. Don't get in corners of rooms, because debris tends to collect there. If in a vehicle, get out. Get to a sturdy building. If no shelter is available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge, which can collapse.
A thunderstorm can be very dangerous, Richmond reminded citizens. In the United States, lightning kills 300 people and injures another 80 each year, on average. All thunderstorms can produce lightning and can be dangerous. In addition to lightning, thunderstorms can contain strong winds and hail, as well as heavy rains that can produce flash flooding.
Lightning is a big danger because it is unpredictable. It often strikes outside of heavy rain and can occur up to 10 miles away from any rainfall. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer afternoons and evenings.
Richmond encourages residents to remember the 30/30 rule. After seeing lightning, begin counting. If you do not get to 30 before hearing thunder, go inside. Wait for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder before going outside.
To help minimize storm damage, make sure dead or rotting tree limbs are removed. Secure outdoor objects that could be picked up by the wind and cause damage. Shutter windows if possible. If shutters are available, close blinds and curtains to help keep broken glass from coming indoors.
For both thunderstorms and tornadoes, shelter in a safe room in the home is a good option, Richmond said.
There are state and federal rebate programs to help pay up to half the cost of installing a safe room up to $1,000. It can be as easy as reinforcing a large closet or interior room. Be sure to follow the guidelines as mandated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Richmond said. Those can be found at FEMA.org. Flooding can often occur with tornadoes and thunderstorms. It is the most common natural disaster. The causes of floods can vary, building up gradually over time such as with the spring thaw or flash flooding that comes from heavy rainfall in a short period of time.
Again, a family emergency plan and an emergency supply kit should be created in case of a flood.
To get prepared for a flood, families should check to see if the home is in a flood-prone area. If so, invest in flood insurance because regular homeowner's insurance policies will not cover flood damage. Elevate heaters, water heaters and electric panels in the home to help prevent damage. Residents can also install check valves that prevent flood water from backing up into a home.
For more information about these and other tips for staying safe, visit the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management's website at www.adem.org.
dhilton@blythevillecourier.com