The motto of the Boy Scouts of America has always been “Be Prepared.” With the changes of spring weather, this motto takes on special meaning. While spring certainly heralds warmer weather and longer days, these meteorological changes can bring about quickly developing severe weather.
With spring weather, we see an increase in floods, lightning strikes, large damaging hail, strong winds and, of course, tornadoes. Last year’s weather was certainly an issue across our state, including the devastating tornado in Joplin, with a recorded total of 80 tornadoes, including one in nearby Sedalia, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). However, since 1950, the yearly record was set in 2006 with 102 tornadoes.
The key to staying safe during a tornado is to have a plan. Keep an eye on watches and warnings in your area. If notified by a tornado warning that a tornado is imminent, seek shelter. Basements or the lowest level of the home is the best. Avoid windows and doors and keep your head covered to protect against flying debris.
We have already experienced thunderstorms this year, with both lightning and hail. While thunderstorms are often overlooked as damaging, lightning is the cause of 300 documented injuries a year in the United States. Please use caution when faced with the black clouds that foreshadow this dangerous weather. Avoid standing outdoors when lightning is in the sky. Stay away from bodies of water or standing under trees, and don’t use metal equipment, including ball bats or golf clubs. The best defense against lightning strikes is to be indoors. Turn off appliances that can be damaged by power surges, such as televisions and computers. A house or structure is also the best protection from hail. Keep away from windows and doors to reduce the chances of being affected by dangerous weather.
Another problem stemming from large storms is flash flooding. There are a number of low-water crossings across the 31st Senatorial District. The power of water is often underestimated. It only takes six inches of water to knock someone off his or her feet, while only two feet of water can float a vehicle. If you have any doubt about water over the road, the NWS’ official stance is “Turn Around! Don’t Drown!”
This is by no means a complete list. The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency launched a new website this week to offer information to citizens on severe weather preparedness. There are videos on various preparation topics, as well as links to services the send out text messages in the event of severe weather. Please visit www.stormaware.mo.gov in order to take advantage of useful information gathered to aid to Missourians. Also, more information is available on the NWS website, www.weather.gov. The only thing consistent about spring weather is that it is never the same. So, make a plan for your family, consider purchasing a weather radio to keep informed, and keep your family safe to enjoy the great summer weather that is just around the corner.
As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.
No comments:
Post a Comment