Four safety tips to protect your family against storms and tornadoes in Alabama
A Tornado Watch should put you on alert so you can act quickly if a Tornado Warning is issued or if you hear or see a tornado coming. (file)
Know your “safe place.”
In the midst of a tornado emergency, getting to the safest area of your home should be top of mind. That’s John De Block’s first advice to residents as Alabama enters tornado season.
De Block, longtime warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service (NWS) in Birmingham, said, “We’re in the peak months now. Natural disasters don’t always come with advanced warning.”
Storms can arise suddenly so residents should always have a ‘go-to’ plan.
Hearing the rumble of a tornado in the distance isn’t the time to try to pinpoint the safest space to protect loved ones.
“Once you get the information that there’s severe weather forecasted, know where you’ll go,” said De Block, who has predicted Alabama weather for 17 years at the NWS. “That should be an interior room on the lowest level of our house, with as many walls as possible between you and the outside.”
De Block recommends a “go-to-plan” before severe weather hits. For example, everyone in the home should have a helmet, De Block said, citing a 2012 study by UAB researchers that concluded head injuries are a leading cause of tornado-related deaths.
“Protect your head with sports helmets such as bike, baseball or football helmets,” he said. “At home, my children know to put on their helmets, and put on elbow pads for roller skating and other protective gear. My wife and I even bought ourselves bike helmets specifically for use during storms.”
De Block said severe weather is a year-round threat in Alabama. “One threat replaces another. In summer, we worry about hurricanes.”
Here are his four rules for keeping your family safe during tornado season:
- Pay attention – When storms come to your area, stay tuned to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio, use a weather app or sign up for email alerts about the weather.
- Plan ahead – Know your home’s safe place. If you’re aware that severe weather may hit and your house does not have a suitable safe area, make early arrangements to stay with a relative or friend.
- Prepare – Have an easily reachable, three-day supply of food, water and medicine. “Make sure you have foods that you wouldn’t mind eating if they’re cold,” De Block said. “When hazardous weather is expected, I fill camping jugs with fresh tap water. I also have a propane grill that I can use to heat food.” Energy or granola bars, canned meat, peanut butter and other nonperishables are good choices. He said it’s also a good idea to have small toys – battery-operated games, stuffed animals or a favorite blanket, for instance – to help kids deal with the stress of being confined.
- Rescue and recover – By making arrangements beforehand, you can take care of your family, allowing emergency responders to help those who need it most, De Block said.
“Call volunteer agencies such as the American Red Cross to see how you can help your neighbors when severe weather strikes,” he said.
Get more information about severe weather and tornado safety and download free NOAA weather guides. You can also visit AlabamaWX.com for regular Alabama weather updates and information.
