The Ohio Emergency Management Agency and the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness have teamed up for Ohio’s Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 17-23, 2019
This month already we have seen temperatures in the 60’s, high winds and the first concerns for severe weather, in the southeastern United States. No matter what the forecast is, unexpected weather can develop. 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) is 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 20st , 2019 at 1:00pm Schools will take part in the statewide tornado 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
Know Your Risk – Learn and understand the different types of weather hazards that occur in Ohio. Know how severe weather could impact your household, your job, your community. Ohio’s springtime hazards include tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods, and even snowstorms through early spring. Visit the OCSWA website at www.weathersafety.ohio.gov to view current weather in Ohio, and to review severe weather safety and preparedness information.
Also, during the month of March, FEMA and the National Weather Service kickoff Severe Weather Safety Month, promoting flood, severe weather and tornado safety.
Know the difference between flood warnings, watches and advisories.
A Flash Flood Warning is issued by the NWS when flash flooding is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move to higher ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop.
A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. Listen to EAS messages for possible evacuation orders.
A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding to occur. A watch does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, the weather event could cause significant inconvenience. Caution should be exercised.
During any weather event (flood watches, tornado warnings, severe thunderstorms), continue listening to local weather reports via radio, television or NOAA Weather Radio.
Paulding County will be taking part in the statewide elementary school Severe Weather Awareness Poster contest. Students in the 1st grade through 6th grade have the opportunity to compete. As part of the 2016 Severe Weather Awareness campaign, the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, in cooperation with the National Weather Service, is sponsoring its Annual Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest. This contest is open to all Ohio students in first through sixth grade and individualized instruction (special education) classes.
Participation is encouraged by all public, private and home schools. This drawing contest serves as a valuable tool to help students learn about severe weather safety and preparedness.
