This week is Ohio Severe Weather Awareness Week. Over the next few days, Wood County Emergency Management Agency will be providing information to help you better prepare for severe weather.
Statewide Tornado Drill
Tomorrow Wednesday March 22, at 9:50 a.m. will be the statewide tornado drill. The outdoor warning sirens will sound and various media outlets will be running a test of the Emergency Alert System. Even those who cannot physically practice what they will do, they should take a minute, and think about where they would go. If their family is separated, how would they contact each other if cell phones were overloaded? Do they have a family member or friend outside the area that could act as a go-between for communications? If they are driving what would they do?
Studies have shown, if someone thinks through something beforehand, they will likely respond better if it happens.
Watch vs. Warning
When we ask our residents, everyone believes they know the difference between a watch and a warning. However, we have found very few know what a watch is truly for.
Watches are the National Weather Service’s way to let people know to start preparing for a warning. No matter what the reason for the weather warning, once it is issued it may be too dangerous to go outside.
When a watch is issued, think about how will you respond should it progress to a warning. If you need to travel, simply take a few minutes and come up with plan should a warning be issued during your commute. Can you delay travel or leave early? Other questions to consider are: Do you have a safe place to go for shelter? How will you get the weather alert? Where will my family be and are they safe?
When dependent on using a storm shelter, plan on having some backup options. You never know when a shelter will be closed, under renovation, in use, or any other reasons why it is not available or accessible. Investigate this early and do not wait for the warning.
For more information please see the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness website https://weathersafety.ohio.gov/ or visit FEMA’s Ready.gov site at:https://www.ready.gov/
