Category Archives: Weather Protection

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WHEN DISASTER STRIKES, ARE YOU READY OR NOT?

National Preparedness Month is in September, but we’re getting a head start by promoting the “Ready or Not” campaign, which was launched by the Texas Department of Health Services on July 8th.   This yearlong project will focus on being sure that Texans are prepared for floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, or any other natural disaster that may occur.  Each state probably has excellent disaster plans, but hopefully, we can share ideas that will help ensure that your entire family will be prepared. 

Take the time to locate important records such as names and phone numbers of your family physician, pharmacy, and your veterinarian or kennel that cares for your pets.  You need to place those documents, as well as your insurance information, social security, and other records in a plastic bag that can be easily accessed if you need to evacuate your home.  List out-of-town contacts, too.  Take a moment to also think about what you would grab, if you had to leave in a hurry, of course, including your pets.

You and your family should sit down and talk about what you will do, and where you will meet, in case your cell phones don’t work.  Think about where each one is during the biggest part of the day, and have phone numbers for work, school, and daycare.  Find out if your child’s school or daycare facilities have site-specific emergency plans and familiarize yourself with them.  

Stay tuned to your news or NOAA weather service.  If you are advised to evacuate, do so.  Families could plan to check on neighbors that they know may not be able to follow these rules if they are physically unable to get to safety.  

Supplies are a big priority.  Keeping a supply kit of many of these items in your car is a good plan:

  • Three-day supply of water, and non-perishable foods
  • Flashlight
  • Hand-operated can opener
  • Plastic plates, cups, utensils
  • First Aid Kit
  • Respirators (N-95)
  • Personal Hygiene Items
  • Garbage Bags
  • Prescription Medications
  • Cell Phone
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Maps
  • Photo in case you are separated
  • Pet needs 

We never know when disaster will strike.  Being prepared is the best way to be safe and survive.

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WATER KEEPS YOU RUNNING IN THE SUMMER HEAT!

August days are sweltering in Texas, as well as many other parts of the country.  There are many athletes – baseball players, football players, and runners that are exposed to the heat during the hottest time of the day, in many cases.  There are some keys to staying healthy while exercising, whether as an athlete, or worker who is exposed to the elements every day,  becoming dehydrated.

Mild dehydration is the loss of no more than 5% of the body’s fluid. Loss of 5-10% is considered moderate dehydration. Severe dehydration (loss of 10-15% of body fluids) is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care. 

One of the first steps to getting used to the heat is to become acclimatized.  As the weather heats up, you must ratchet down your outdoor workout for at least five days to two weeks, in order to build up heat tolerance.  If you ride a bike, ride it a little slower until you get used to hotter temperatures.  Walk instead of running, if you are a jogger.  If you are involved in an intense workout, you are creating more heat for your body.  

A sweat rate test will tell you how much fluid you need to replace from your workout: weigh yourself without clothes before and after a workout; add the amount of any fluid you drank from your weight-loss difference, and you’ll have the amount of fluid you lost through sweat.  Hydration keeps your body from overheating.  The best policy is to know what works best for each individual.  The American College of Sports medicine suggests that too much water can cause a sodium imbalance in the body.  Listen to your thirst.  Some fitness program coaches recommend athletes drink 16 to 20 ounces of water before training, carry 20 ounces of water to sip during the workout, and change to an electrolyte sports drink such as Gatorade after the first hour.  Lost sodium can also be replaced with salty snacks.  

There is a common belief that caffeinated drinks dehydrate you, but according to cardiologist Benjamin Levine, caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea will help hydrate your body throughout the day, because they contain water. Dr. John Carlo, Medical Director of Dallas County Health and Human Services recommends that drinking more fluids the day before strenuous exercise will help prevent dehydration.  Hydrating at night is also a good idea, says Dr. Carlo. 

If you have health problems or are more susceptible to heat, you may want to exercise in an air-conditioned wellness center, or gym.  They contain all types of equipment that will enable you to get the amount of conditioning you want.  

Even when the weather is just a few degrees higher than normal, it can take its toll on our bodies.  Those who work outdoors should always take the proper precautions and be able to take breaks away from the sun as often as possible.  Always have fresh water available, and drink it often.  We all need to keep our cool anyway we can!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS RESULTED FROM 1985 AIRLINE CRASH

On August 2, 1985, Delta Flight 191 dropped out of the sky near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, taking the lives of 137 persons.  The cause of the crash was wind shear conditions during a thunderstorm, which created a weather phenomenon known as a microburst –  first speeding the plane up, then slowing it down dramatically, causing it to hit the ground before it reached the runway.  

Today, twenty-five years to the date of the crash, Dallas/Fort Worth Airport is holding a ceremony to memorialize the victims of Flight 191 and recognize the personnel who worked the disaster.  Another reason to observe the date is to emphasize the tragedy’s legacy for improving the safety of air travel. 

Weather systems have been enhanced to allow precision forecasting.  Instruments on the ground can look inside clouds today to see the churnings that can lead to wind shear and microbursts.  Commercial aircrafts have sophisticated systems that can tell pilots where those dangerous winds are.  D/FW, the third busiest airport in the nation, is at the forefront of this type of detection.  The airport has 18 wind shear detection towers and two Doppler radar systems.  

Another lesson learned from 191 is that these types of accidents may be survivable.  Fire trucks have special firefighting tools that can possibly enable them to rescue passengers.  A probe  attached to a hose, can shoot a fire retardant into the fuselage, and cool it down so rescue workers can get inside.  D/FW’s fire training center has taught 15,000 airport firefighters from 23 countries; its’ staff travels to accidents around the country to see what methods worked and what didn’t work. 

A federal judge found the flight crew of 191 at fault for trying to land in the hazardous weather.  The aviation industry has a training strategy called “crew resource management,” encouraging co-pilots to speak their mind if they are concerned, even if it means challenging the captain.  A standard part of pilot training is a requirement for pilots to “fly” Delta 191, in flight simulators.  This re-creation helps a pilot recognize the unstable winds early on and allows them to give their plane full power while pulling up as hard as possible.  

There were twenty-seven survivors (some with devastating injuries) of this crash; they and the families of the victims will never forget this tragedy.  Quoting the Star-Telegram: “The memorial today is a somber reminder that no matter how advanced technology becomes, we should never take for granted what a complicated and remarkable endeavor air travel is.” 

Sources: Dallas Morning News, Ft Worth Star-Telegram

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

IDEAS ABOUT UV PROTECTION

We haven’t forgotten that July is UV Protection Month, a reminder to all of us to protect our eyes and skin!  It is most important that we do everything we can to preserve our vision.  It is unimaginable to think about being without the gift of sight, or facing malenoma, a life-threatening form of skin cancer.

You have heard  about the types of UV rays, but let’s review them again:

UV-C rays are the most harmful, but are blocked by the ozone layer.  If they ever reach the earth’s surface, they could cause serious health concerns.  UV-B rays have high doses which cause sunburn and can cause skin cancer.  Other age-related signs of too much sun are wrinkles and skin discoloration.  UV-A rays can pass through the cornea, reaching the lens and retina inside the eye.  Overexposure of these rays is linked to certain types of cataracts, and development of macular degeneration.  Both these types of rays are shielded by the ozone layer, therefore, they are not as harmful as UV-C.  Because of weather changes, and seasons, however, we must be mindful that there may be some depletion of the ozone layer.

It is very important to remind you to select sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.  Also be sure that the lens are free from distortion and any imperfections.  Wrap-around styles allow more protection to the sides of the face.  It is of the utmost importance to protect children’s eyes from these rays, as well.  They need to wear glasses that contain the same element of protection as an adult’s,  not toy ones.  Much of the damage from the sun happens during childhood, only to show up later in life.  It goes without saying that in addition to sunglasses, suncreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 should be used often while anyone is in the sun, as well as wearing a wide-brimmed hat, or using an umbrella, if sitting outdoors.

Those who work outside should take precautions to wear eye protection and other types of personal protective equipment.  There are special sunshields that fit hardhats that help protect the face from the sun.

The following UV Index helps explain the stages of exposure to rays:

  • 2 or Less =   Low, for average person.  On hot days, persons should still wear glasses and sunscreen.
  • 3 to 5 =           Moderate.  Use the shadow test.  In early morning or late afternoon if you are taller than your shadow, UV exposure is likely to be low.  If your shadow is shorter around mid-day, levels of UV are higher.
  • 6-7=                  High.  From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the worst time to be outdoors.  Be sure to use at least 15 SPF sunscreen, and often.
  • 8-10=                Very high.  Because your skin will burn quickly, take extra precautions.
  • 11+ =                  Extreme.  Stay out of the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. if possible.

Another thing to remember, if you are around sand or water, is that reflections can damage your eyes.  Reflections from snow almost double that from sand.  Persons with darker skin and eyes  need to protect their eyes the same as more fair persons.

There’s no way we can be immune from the dangers of overexposure from UV rays.  But we can take all the precautions possible to avoid damage to our eyes and skin.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Weather Protection

IMPORTANT SUMMER SAFETY REMINDER

Sooner or later, all of us have to drive on busy freeways.  Those who live in small towns find it a little intimidating to drive in heavy traffic, (at least, I do!).  While visiting my daughter in Georgetown, Texas, last week, I asked her for some topics to feature in our safety blog.  Her daily route to and from work is on Interstate 35.  She mentioned that debris on the highway is a problem and causes very serious accidents.  She and her husband watched a tire and wheel from an 18-wheeler going the opposite way, cross the median, and roll across four lanes of traffic before it came to a stop beside the highway.  Luckily, no vehicles were hit, but a very serious accident could have resulted.  She also said she sees ladders, tools, boxes, and other debris often during her commute.
This is a common problem throughout the U.S.  California reports that approximately 25,000 accidents per year are caused by debris.  A Los Angeles County deputy sheriff died when he swerved to dodge a stove that had fallen off a truck in front of him.  (The driver who didn’t secure the stove has been charged with murder and may face twenty-five years to life if convicted.)  Officials responsible for road clean up in California say that they collect enough junk from their state highways alone to fill up the Los Angeles Coliseum 8’ deep.  You can find similar stories from every state in the U.S.
Recycling is becoming big business, and there is more demand for scrap metal, cardboard, and scrap paper.  Many persons fill up their pickup beds to the max to haul junk to recycle stations.  Failing to secure their loads can be costly in some states.  California and ten other states are increasing penalties for losing loads on the roadways.  Fines may be as much as $5,000; if the lost debris causes an accident, persons can be jailed up to one year.
Overfilled gravel trucks can also cause accidents.  Examples of debris include, rocks, boulders, grease, engine oil, plants and their branches, etc., furniture, mattresses, garbage, nails, screws, glass, auto parts, lumber, tires, construction supplies, and animal corpses.  You can probably name other things you’ve seen on busy freeways.
Drivers that are hauling things should inspect their loads before they begin their journey.
There are littering laws and penalties that all travelers should follow.  If you see an unsafe load, get the license number of the vehicle and notify authorities.  It might help prevent an accident.
This is a difficult subject to even think about, but a very important one to pass on to our readers.  We are getting into the hottest time of the year, and so far, eighteen children have died of hyperthermia, eight of them since June 13th.  Hyperthermia is a rapid and often fatal rise in body temperature.  These young victims were left in cars.  We read about a parent or family member that simply forgot about the little passenger in the back seat.  We also read about children that climbed into unlocked cars in the driveway to play and then couldn’t get out, only to later be found dead.  Keep your parked car locked at all times.
July is known as the most deadly month for children to be trapped in cars.  Their respiratory and circulatory systems can’t handle heat the same as adults.  Hyperthermia is the third-leading cause of death in non-traffic related incidents involving children and vehicles.  It takes only 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to spike 19 degrees, and then can go up to 29 degrees in 20 minutes.  On a 78° day, the temperature inside a car can climb to 97° in just ten minutes.
Organizations such as the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, KidsandCars.org, and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) are among several others that warn parents not to leave their kids or animals unattended in or near vehicles.  PETA and KidsandCars urges “the most vulnerable beings among us– children and animals, need and deserve our protection.  Never leave a child or animal in a parked car on hot or even warm days.  Always leave dogs and cats at home, especially during a heat wave.”
It’s hard to understand how anyone can become so distracted that they would forget about a child in the back seat of their vehicle.  But it happens, and happens often.  It is suggested by the experts that drivers should place a purse, briefcase, or cell phone near the child’s seat as a reminder to retrieve the child.  Don’t become so overwhelmed by everyday pressures that you forget the most important person in the world, your child.
Get involved.  If you see a child or animal that has been left in a car, call 911.
  
Since this article was written on June 28 of this year, according to statistics from San Francisco State University, the total of children that have died from hyperthermia has reached 36 - double what we reported in late June!  The total for the entire year of 2010 was 33.  They also furnished statistics on the circumstances of these deaths, totaling 443 from 1998 through 2009.  Here are the terrible facts:
  
  
51% were forgotten by care giver or parent
  
  
30% were playing in an unattended vehicle
  
  
18% were intentionally left in a vehicle by an adult
  
  
This is one safety product that is advertised on the internet.  If you have a child passenger, you may want to check into this or a similar one.
  
  
Here’s how it works:
  
  
The seat pad is placed under existing car seat cushion.
  
  
Baby is placed in car seat, which activates the safety system,
  
  
This activates receiver, located on the driver's key ring.
  
  
If driver exits the car without removing baby from car seat an alarm sounds on driver's key ring.
  
  
If the driver does not hear or respond to the alarm within a predetermined elapsed time, a louder alarm, using a voice synthesizer, saying  ''Baby in Danger'' will activate from the seat pad itself, hopefully alerting passers by to the dangerous situation.
You may save a life.
General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT?

One can never be completely prepared for what Mother Nature may do. This past Thursday, the people of Iceland felt her power when a volcano erupted under Eyjafjallajokull glacier.  Citizens of Iceland are dealing with rising floodwaters, as well as smoke and ash.  Approximately one-third of the glacial ice has melted and has caused a nearby river to flood.  Around 850 persons in the area have been evacuated and several acres of land are completely covered by ash.
The result of this eruption has caused the largest global disruption of airline traffic since 9-11.  Air travel on six continents has been affected to some degree.  A scientist in Iceland has said that it is possible that ash will continue to be distributed in the air for weeks.  Air travel is dangerous under these conditions, as ash and smoke cause a lack of visibility, in addition to the threat of microscopic debris getting sucked into the engines, causing them to shut down.
Airports are full of stranded passengers due to cancellations of flights.  Delivery of materials, business meetings and persons planning vacations may all experience delays.
This brings to mind a very important word: preparation.  One never knows when a natural event will happen, possibly taking away the things we take for granted.  Hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and other disasters can happen.  It’s a good idea for everyone to be ready for such an event by having extra supplies on hand.  Fresh water, canned foods, (food and water for three days), can opener, flashlight, candles, blankets, pet food, cell phone, first aid kit, and NOAA weather radio, are items that should be kept together in a safe place in case of an emergency.  Folks in Iceland will probably need respirators, because of the condition of the air they will breathe for sometime.
Our world has already had several earthquakes this year – it is hard to predict or imagine where the next natural disaster may happen.  Be ready to protect yourself and your family as well as possible, and also watch out for your fellow man, as well.
One can never be completely prepared for what Mother Nature may do. This past Thursday, the people of Iceland felt her power when a volcano erupted under Eyjafjallajokull glacier.  Citizens of Iceland are dealing with rising floodwaters, as well as smoke and ash.  Approximately one-third of the glacial ice has melted and has caused a nearby river to flood.  Around 850 persons in the area have been evacuated and several acres of land are completely covered by ash.
The result of this eruption has caused the largest global disruption of airline traffic since 9-11.  Air travel on six continents has been affected to some degree.  A scientist in Iceland has said that it is possible that ash will continue to be distributed in the air for weeks.  Air travel is dangerous under these conditions, as ash and smoke cause a lack of visibility, in addition to the threat of microscopic debris getting sucked into the engines, causing them to shut down.
Airports are full of stranded passengers due to cancellations of flights.  Delivery of materials, business meetings and persons planning vacations may all experience delays.
This brings to mind a very important word: preparation.  One never knows when a natural event will happen, possibly taking away the things we take for granted.  Hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and other disasters can happen.  It’s a good idea for everyone to be ready for such an event by having extra supplies on hand.  Fresh water, canned foods, (food and water for three days), can opener, flashlight, candles, blankets, pet food, cell phone, first aid kit, and NOAA weather radio, are items that should be kept together in a safe place in case of an emergency.  Folks in Iceland will probably need respirators, because of the condition of the air they will breathe for sometime.
Our world has already had several earthquakes this year – it is hard to predict or imagine where the next natural disaster may happen.  Be ready to protect yourself and your family as well as possible, and also watch out for your fellow man, as well.
General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WHO’LL STOP THE RAIN?

Many parts of the United States have had more than their share of heavy rain this spring.  Residents of Nashville, Tennessee, are still cleaning up after the devastating storm that hit their city and surrounding area, May 1st through May 2nd.

On June 11, a flash flood killed twenty campers and injured more in the Albert Pike Recreation Area, in Arkansas.  Located in a secluded valley where the Caddo and Little Missouri Rivers meet, heavy rains caused the waters to rise 8’ per hour.  By the time most of the people realized what was happening, it was too late for many to escape.  Forecasters had issued a flash flood warning for that vicinity; however, there was little chance of any type of cell phone or other method of communication in this remote location that could have warned them.

June 14th brought 10” of rain to parts of Oklahoma City, and several counties in Oklahoma.  Several persons were rescued from vehicles when rains swept them off the road.  A cab driver was drowned while trying to push his stalled cab out of floodwaters.  Officials said the car was in two feet of water; however, the current was so swift, it swept him away.  Many roads and bridges are heavily damaged and will take months to return to service.
Having known someone who was rescued after being stranded in their car during heavy rains, their first-hand advice, of course, is to try to get to high ground.  It was raining so hard during their experience it was difficult to know exactly where they were.  By the time the rescue team arrived, water was well inside their car, and they had to be taken out through the windows of the car.  A physician who was trapped in his vehicle in the recent Oklahoma City incident, reported that he was advised to roll down the windows because once the water got high enough to short out the electrical system, he would not be able to do so.  Events such as this remind us that sometimes things really are out of our control.

We want to repeat some earlier guidelines to protect those involved in flood clean-up:

  • Take precaution from insect and mosquito bites.
  • Extreme caution should be used with possible chemical and electric hazards; the fire or police department are better equipped to decide what should be done.
  • Be sure tetanus shot is current (within 10 years).
  • Maintain good hygiene during cleanup operations, wash hands with soap and running water as often as possible during the day.
  • Do not allow children to play in floodwaters, or with toys that have been in floodwaters.
  • Wear eyewear and head protection.  Sunscreen needs to be worn, as well.

These safety items, such as disposable clothes, respirators, goggles, gloves, and insect repellents can aid in protecting those who are involved in this or any other clean up operations.  Take precautionary measures, not chances on becoming ill.

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WARNING ABOUT TOO MUCH SUN

1 Comment

The month of May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, so we want to take this opportunity to warn you about the consequences of skin cancer.  If you work outdoors, there are steps you can take to protect your skin.  If you are deliberately working on a tan, please consider that this can be risky.

Too many Americans don’t protect themselves from the sun’s damaging rays, according to the Center for Disease Control, even though they are aware that the burns from the sun increase their risk of skin cancer.  Many people who have been diagnosed with basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer or melanoma, have been told by their dermatologists that sunburn during their childhood is likely a major factor that may have caused their problem as adults, so it is of the utmost importance that children’s skin is protected from the sun.

The American Academy of Dermatology has established the Shadow Rule: No Shadow – SEEK SHADE.  If your shade is shorter than you are, the sun is at its highest intensity.

For those who must work or play outdoors, wear wide brim hats, hardhats w/sunshields, ultra-violet absorbing eyewear, (safety glasses), long sleeves, and use sunscreen that has a minimum of 15 SPF.  Apply sunscreen hourly.  Reflective surfaces such as water and sand can add to the burning effects of the sun.  So play it safe, stay out of the sun as much as possible.

Most Americans believe they can start their summer tan a little faster by going to tanning beds, however, they don’t realize that without proper protection, those tanning beds can cause serious burns not only to the skin, but to the eyes.  On an average day, more than one million Americans use tanning salons.  First exposure to tanning beds in youth increases melanoma risk by 75 per cent. Research shows that UV radiation levels of a tanning bed are 100 times that of the natural sun.  The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requires tanning facilities to furnish clean, UV-blocking goggles to all consumers.  Without these protective eye goggles, the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians warns that using a tanning bed without protective goggles is the “equivalent to staring at the sun.”

The number of melanomas is rising faster than any of the seven most common cancers.  According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, approximately 68,720 melanomas will be diagnosed this year, with almost 8,650 resulting in death.  We hope this helps you understand the significance of the damage UV rays cause.  We have mentioned the many ways you can protect yourself; if you suspect you may have some type of skin cancer, be sure to see your physician as soon as possible.  Do not ignore places that change color or don’t heal.  Many times treatment by a dermatologist can take care of the problem before it gets serious.

Source: Prevent Blindness America
Skin Cancer Foundation

Weather Protection

YOU CAN’T STOP THE MUSIC!

Our beloved “Music City”, Nashville, has become a devastated area, following heavy thunderstorms and flash flooding, which caused the Cumberland River to rise almost 12’ above flood level last weekend.  At least 30 deaths in Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi have been blamed on the recent storms.  The Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, Opryland Hotel, and Opry Mills have been inundated with water.  The field of the Tennessee Titans was flooded, as well.  Ironically, this is “National Music Week,” stressing the role music plays in our lives.  Several country music stars lost valuable equipment in storage, as well as damage to their homes.  They, along with entertainers across America, have been performing to raise money to help residents who have lost everything.
Here are some helpful tips for those who are trying to retrieve whatever they can from their flooded property:

  • Extreme caution should be used because of possible chemical and electric hazards.
  • Also wear rubber or plastic gloves, boots, and other protective clothing to guard from contact with floodwater.
  • Be sure tetanus shot is current (within 10 years).
  • Hazardous waste and chemical containers may be moved or buried by floodwaters far from their regular storage places, which are risky for those who come in contact with them.  The fire department or police should handle these circumstances.
  • Maintain good hygiene during cleanup operations, wash hands with soap and running water as often as possible during the day.
  • Do not allow children to play in floodwaters, or with toys that have been in floodwaters.
  • Wear eyewear and head protection.  Sunscreen needs to be worn, as well.
  • Take precaution from insect and mosquito bites.
  • Get medical attention for all animal bites immediately.

It will take time to rebuild the attractions that draw tourists to Nashville and the surrounding area, but with the determination their citizens have shown, it will happen.  We can’t stop the music; it will always be what keeps us all going!

Sources:  OSHA Natural Disaster Recovery: Flood Cleanup
EPA-Homeland Security

Weather Protection

ONCE AGAIN, IT’S TORNADO SEASON!

Tornadoes have already hit some areas of the United States!  Because they keep coming back year after year, we want to repeat this information we shared with you last year.  The most violent storms of nature, tornadoes are rotating funnel clouds that extend from thunderstorms to the ground with winds that can reach 300 mph.  Their paths can be one mile wide and up to 50 miles long.

In order to keep the public informed, NOAA weather radio, commercial radio, and television stations frequently announce weather situations.  WATCH means that a tornado is possible.  WARNING means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar, and to take shelter immediately.
From FEMA: The following are facts about tornadoes:

  • They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
  • The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
  • Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
  • The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH, but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.
  • They may be almost transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
  • Tornadoes can go with tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
  • Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can happen at any time.
  • Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.
  • Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer.

Danger signs of tornadoes are: large hail, large dark low-lying cloud, (particularly if rotating), loud roar (like a freight train), and dark, greenish sky.  The area may become very still prior to a tornado.

When a tornado is approaching, get to a cellar, basement, closet or hallway away from windows and doors, and get under a table.  If you are in a mobile home, get out immediately and take shelter.  If you are outside: lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.  You are safer in a low, flat location than under an overpass or bridge.  If you are in a vehicle, never try to outrun a tornado. Leave your vehicle and seek a safer location.  Watch for flying debris from a tornado. Debris causes major injuries and many fatalities.

We certainly hope you never experience a tornado.  As we always suggest: remember to keep adequate supplies of water and non-perishable foods, first aid kit, flashlight, change of clothes, and other needed equipment ready in case of an emergency.  The best plan for you and your loved ones is to be prepared, just in case.

Source: FEMA