March 1st marks the beginning of meteorological spring. Spring is a time of transition, when late-season snowstorms, early thunderstorms and overflowing rivers have each been known to visit Richland County and the surrounding areas.
Tornadoes, lightning, and floods – spring can be three months of danger that will imperil the unprepared. It roars in like a lion, rampaging across the United States throughout March, April and May. Spring hazards include:
- Severe Weather/Tornadoes
- Floods
- Lightning
Here are a few simple steps to help you be prepared in case severe weather springs into action in this transitioning season:
+ Know Your Risk
Check the weather every morning. It is a simple action that will ensure that you’re ready for the day’s weather. Don’t leave home without knowing the forecast.
+ Take Action!
Assemble an emergency supplies kit with 72 hours worth of food and water. In an emergency (such as after a tornado or some other hazard event), you may be stuck at home without electricity for three days or more. Make sure that you’re prepared. Also, ensure that everyone in your life knows how to stay in touch with an emergency communication plan. This plan lists meeting places and alternate ways of communicating in case of emergency.
+ Be A Force of Nature
Inspire others by sharing your weather-ready story on social media with the hashtag #SpringSafety. It can be a simple as posting a photo of your emergency supplies kit or letting your friends know how to reach you during an emergency. Together, we can build a Weather-Ready Nation, one that is ready for any extreme weather, water, or climate event.
+ SPRING HAZARDS
You are not powerless in the face of extreme weather and water events. Learn about the hazards most common to spring – and some that are threats year-round – and what you can do about them.
+ Severe Weather/Tornadoes
Spring is a time when severe weather and tornadoes are a threat for much of the Southeast and Great Plains. Since 2005, 49 states have come under a tornado warning; all 50 states have come under severe thunderstorm warnings; and lightning strikes occur in every state.What to Do: You may have only minutes to find shelter before a tornado strikes. Practice a family tornado drill at least once a year.
+ Floods
Due to snowmelt and heavy rain from thunderstorms, flooding is common across much of the U.S. in the spring. In May of last year, widespread flooding in Texas left 17 dead. Flash flooding is the number one killer associated with severe weather. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.What to Do: It’s simple: Turn Around Don’t Drown®. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.
+ Lightning
In 2015, there were 26 lightning fatalities – five in Florida alone. 62% of fatalities were men. Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Although most lightning occurs in the summer, people can be struck at any time of year.What to Do: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area.
Adapted from: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/spring_safety.html
