Author: Dabney Weems
Each year, the first week of March serves as Severe Weather Preparedness Week in North Carolina. As the season is about to change to spring, it is the perfect time for you and your family to have a safety plan, to practice the plan, to have an emergency kit and to have a way of getting weather alerts in case severe weather strikes.
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety Emergency Management is celebrating each day of the week with quick and easy tips to ensure you, your family and friends are prepared. Take some time each day during the week to be ready for spring weather hazards.
Day 1
Get prepared with these four easy steps:
- Make an emergency plan with everyone in your household, including pets
- Gather emergency supplies like flashlights and first aid kits
- Stay informed by getting a hand-crank or solar-powered radio
- Get involved by talking to your neighbors and seeing if anyone may need additional help during emergencies.
Day 2
When a tornado warning is issued, your location is your best defense. Move to the lowest level of a sturdy building. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Avoid windows and other glass at all costs. If you are in a mobile home or vehicle, evacuate to the nearest sturdy shelter immediately. If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head, or abandon your car or mobile home and seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine.
Day 3
It’s time to practice your plan. Tomorrow, March 4, at 9:30 a.m., the National Weather Service will conduct a statewide tornado drill.
This drill will be broadcast via the State Emergency Alert System on your local radio stations. Whether you are at home, work or school, we encourage everyone to participate.
When: Wednesday, March 4 at 9:30 a.m.
What: When the alert sounds, head to an interior room on the lowest level away from windows.
Why: Practice makes perfect. Knowing where to go now saves lives when seconds count later.
Day 4
Learn the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and a severe thunderstorm warning.
Watch: Severe weather is possible in your area. Be prepared and stay informed.
Warning: Severe weather is imminent or occurring. Take immediate action to protect yourself and others.
Day 5
Spring storms often bring straight-line winds that can be as damaging as a small tornado. High winds can easily topple trees and power lines, especially when the ground is saturated from rain. During high wind warnings, stay in the lower levels of your home and away from windows or areas where trees could fall.
Day 6
When thunder roars, go indoors because if you can hear the thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Move inside a building or a hard-topped metal vehicle immediately and stay there for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder.
Day 7
Take a few minutes to make a plan with everyone in your household. Learn what you should do and where you should go if a disaster strikes and don’t forget to plan for pets. Discuss how you’ll stay connected and check in with one another if separated. For more tips on how to make a plan, visit Readync.gov.