In the News - February 2008
Being prepared: How to stay calm in the storm
LITTLE ROCK - The deadly tornadoes that swept Arkansas on January 8-9 and again
on February 5 show that any time of year is the right time to review severe weather
safety precautions.
"As most Arkansans know, the late winter, early spring weather here can be
violent and unpredictable," said Dennis Gardisser, an engineer with the
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. "This year has been no
exception."
The storms of February 5 killed dozens of people in Arkansas and surrounding
states. On January 7-8 another tornado took a life in Appleton, with tornado damage
reported in Benton and Pope counties.
"It's very important to be sure your family has a plan in case severe weather
strikes," Gardisser said.
Before a storm occurs every family should have an emergency storm plan for
each member whether at home, work, school or outdoors. Storm drills should be
conducted frequently to reinforce these plans. Children need to be taught their
county name and the names of neighboring counties so that they will know when
there is a storm alert nearby. Also, highway maps should be in convenient
locations around the house to follow storm movements.
Weather updates are vital prior to or during storms, so a NOAA Weather Radio
All Hazards with a battery backup, and a warning alarm to receive weather
warnings are musts.
Detection is easier today with Doppler radar units. These units can detect
tornadoes that are forming by measuring wind speeds and the direction of air
currents within the storms. Units are located at National Weather Service
offices in Little Rock and Ft. Smith.
There is a difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning, and
different actions to take for each. A tornado watch means that tornadoes are
possible in that area. One should remain alert for approaching storms by
listening to the Weather Radio, TV or radio for weather updates. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or
indicated by weather radar. If in the path of the storm, one should move to a
previously designated safe area.
A safe area preferably would be a basement. However, if there is no available
underground shelter or "safe room," then an interior room or hallway on the
lowest floor is the best place. Hiding under furniture near a central wall with
pillows and blankets over one's head and upper body can give extra protection.
Most importantly, stay away from doors and windows. If caught outside or in a
vehicle during a tornado, get out and lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression,
or the lowest point.
For more information, contact your county extension office. The Cooperative
Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
February 8, 2008
By Brook Tacker
For the Cooperative Extension Service
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialists
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
Related Links
|
