Missouri native Mark Twain is often quoted as saying, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a few minutes.” Although he said this about New England, it is no less true here today. We have been inundated recently with all forms of weather. Flooding, tornadoes, cold snaps, and even more recently, above average temperatures. On top of all this, this week is the beginning of hurricane season. While hurricanes rarely affect us directly, weather patterns can add to already unstable possibilities. There may not be anything we can do directly to affect the weather, but one thing we do have at our disposal is preparedness. By staying alert, we can handle situations that might arise.
In light of recent events in both Joplin and Sedalia, it seems appropriate to think about tornado safety. Simple precautions can make your home safer, like adding a safe room, or a reinforced room, for those with no basement or cellar. Plans and information can be found online to supplement your home, an interior room or closet, for a minimal budget. One such site is www.fema.gov, under the “Plan & Prepare” tab. Ideas such as this might make the difference in an emergency. If an option such as the safe room or cellar is not available, then an interior room with no windows or an interior bathroom would be the best choice. Cover yourself with padding, such as a mattress, for even more protection.
Thunderstorms can also be destructive to people and property. High winds, hail, and flash flooding are all potential dangers. One of the first things to remember is to stop using as much electrical equipment as possible. Stay out of water, like pools and even bathtubs and showers. If outdoors, try to find shelter. Lightning strikes can and do occur, and even though there are only an average of two deaths a year in Missouri, across the nation, an estimated 100-120 deaths occur per year. Lightning can be deceptive in that it can strike up to 10 miles from the actual storm event. The best way to avoid being struck by lightning is to avoid exposure to it. Bring children in from open fields, sports practices, and other outdoor activities. By sheltering inside an enclosed building, avoiding tall trees or metal, you greatly reduce any chance of being struck by lightning. In addition, flash flooding can occur at a moment’s notice and become dangerous just as quickly, so a good rule is to avoid any sort of water over a roadway, because it can become a swell and wash away your vehicle before you even have time to react. The small creeks and tributaries that we travel over everyday can become torrential washouts in the blink of an eye.
The first thing we think of when we refer to summer is heat. Excessive heat and heat-related illness is the leading weather-related threat, according to the National Weather Service. With temperatures on the rise in the recent weeks, it pays to be conscientious of heat-related issues. Even though small children, elderly, and chronically ill people seem to be most affected, no one is immune. The first step to avoid any heat-related issue is to make sure to drink plenty of fluids during hot weather. Of course, the most basic precaution is to stay in an air-conditioned environment, if at all possible. Also, avoid car interiors. Just as children and pets shouldn’t be left in a car unattended, no one should risk staying in an enclosed area for long periods of time. The interior of a vehicle can quickly become 20 to 30 degrees hotter than the outside temperature, effectively becoming an oven in a short time.
Most of these tips may seem general and common sense, but sometimes we go about our lives as if the environment works with us instead of against us. By taking a few basic precautions, we ensure the safety of our families and ourselves, and we are able to enhance our enjoyment of this state that is so known for its opportunities for outdoorsmanship. If you have any questions regarding the weather before you head out into it, you can always reference www.weather.gov for statewide, as well as national, information. Let’s all enjoy the summer in safety so we can welcome the other seasons Missouri has to offer.
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.
Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.
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