The Ohio Emergency Management Agency and the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness have teamed up for Ohio’s Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 18 – 24, 2018.
Thanks to El Nino, Ohio has seen a mild winter compared to previous two years. This month already we have seen temperatures in the 60’s, high winds and the first concerns for severe weather. No matter what the forecast is, unexpected weather can develop. The NWS confirmed that there were five tornadoes that struck southwestern portion of the state on Tuesday, March 15th, 2016. Ohio has been fortunate in recent years, with severe weather, and that can create complacency of not being prepared.
You should have plan in place for your home, your work place, at school and even when you are away on business or vacation. What does being prepared, mean; having a plan in place for severe weather, knowing where to go for safety and having an emergency supply kit, ready when needed.
Know the Weather Terms – Know the difference between storm watches and storm warnings.
For example, a Tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the area. During a tornado watch, review tornado safety plans and be prepared to move to a safe place if conditions worsen. Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or local TV or radio stations newscasts for storm updates.
A Tornado warning is issued by the NWS when a tornado has been detected by Doppler radar or sighted by storm spotters. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, do not stop to take pictures or shoot video. Seek safe shelter immediately. Many Ohio counties have outdoor warning sirens that sound during storm warnings. Continue to listen to your NOAA Weather Radio or TV or radio newscasts for up-to-date weather information.
Another way to receive notification of severe weather and other emergencies is through your mobile device. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier. WEAs can alert you of extreme weather warnings, local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action, AMBER Alerts, and Presidential Alerts during a national emergency.
Paulding County will take part in the Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren Test on Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 at 1:00pm Schools will take part in the statewide tornado drill next week as well. It is encouraged that you consider going over and reviewing your severe weather plan at work as well. Remember this simple acronym…
During tornado drills or actual tornado warnings, remember to DUCK!
D – Go DOWN to the lowest level
U – Get UNDER something (such as a basement staircase or heavy table or desk)
C – COVER your head
K – KEEP in shelter until the storm has passed
