It’s that time of year where we need to discuss how to prepare for the severe weather season. This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week! Starting on Monday, We’ll be sharing information throughout the week on how to prepare for the spring weather season and how to stay safe once severe weather threatens your area.
There will be a tornado drill on Wednesday, March 9th at 10 AM CST. Stay tuned and keep an eye on our social media feeds!
Day Two of severe weather awareness week is focused on “thunderstorms”, including lightning, hail and wind.
Thunderstorms can bring multiple risks. A thunderstorm is considered severe when it produces one or more of the following: hail at least 1 inch in diameter (quarter-sized hail or greater), wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour.
Remember:
Thunderstorms don’t have to be severe to produce lightning.
Heavy rain from thunderstorms can cause flash flooding.
High wind or extreme winds can also cause widespread damage.
One important precaution you should take to protect yourself and your family is to always stay weather aware. Make sure to have multiple ways of receiving a weather warning when they are issued, know what to do when watches and warnings are issued, know where the nearest storm shelter is and stay informed with a trusted-source of information.
Thunderstorms are sometimes underestimated as a serious weather threat, but they can be deadly. Strong winds can turn tree branches and ordinary loose objects into dangerous projectiles — help your community stay safe by trimming trees and picking up loose items.
Learn more about thunderstorm safety at: weather.gov/thunderstorms
On Day One of severe weather awareness week, we’re going to talk about heat safety. Here in Houston/Galveston, we know how hot it can get! So, why are we talking about a common topic for us? Unfortunately, heat is one of the leading causes of weather related deaths and heat-related illnesses in the United States. On average, 38 children die each year from being left in a hot vehicle. Check your back seat to make sure you don’t leave kids or pets in your vehicle.
Temperatures will be on the increase over the next several months. Outdoor plans will likely be on your priority lists, thus make sure to practice heat safety. Protect yourself during extreme heat and stay cool!
Learn more about heat safety at: weather.gov/heat
