Alabama is no stranger to severe weather. In fact, it can happen any month of the year and any time, day or night. To help you prepare, The University of Alabama is offering information on severe weather and safety tips during Severe Weather Awareness Week, Feb. 22 – 26.
As spring arrives, you should take time to prepare for severe weather. Here are a few tips that might save your life.
Have a personal emergency plan
Only you know best what you will need in the event of an emergency. That’s why The University of Alabama encourages everyone to prepare a personal emergency plan. The Office of Emergency Management has created a guide to help you develop your plan.
Have a way to receive information
One of the best purchases you can make for your home is a NOAA weather radio. Weather radios are designed to receive official warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information from the National Weather Service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The radios can be programmed to alert you when severe weather is in your area.
If you don’t own a NOAA weather radio, find other ways to receive weather alerts. There are many smartphone apps that will alert you when severe weather is near. The UA Safety app, available for iOS and Android devices, provides severe weather alerts for Tuscaloosa County.
92.5 FM UA Info Radio also broadcasts severe weather information.
Know where to go
When a severe storm is approaching, you should know where you will go for safety. Take time now to find a safe place in your home. Interior rooms on the lowest floor without windows, such as a bathroom or closet, are usually the safest place to be during a severe thunderstorm or tornado.
If you live in an apartment on an upper floor, move to the lowest floor for safety. Do not remain in a vehicle or mobile home during a severe storm as high winds can easily topple them.
If you are on campus or can get to campus before the storm strikes, make a plan to use one of UA’s storm shelters or Best Available Refuge Areas. You can learn more about sheltering on campus by visiting the Office of Emergency Management’s website. Campus storm shelters open when a tornado watch is issued for Tuscaloosa County and remain open until the threat of severe weather has passed.
Make an emergency supply kit
In the event that a severe storm knocks out electricity or leaves you stranded in your home for a few days, an emergency supply kit may help you survive.
Here are a few things you should put in your kit:
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable snacks
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio. A NOAA Weather Radio is best.
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Cell phone chargers and backup battery
Visit Ready.gov for a list of additional items you may want to include in your emergency kit. Alabama is having a sales tax holiday Feb. 26 -28 for preparedness items. Check your emergency kit and use this opportunity to purchase any missing items.
Big Al is ready for severe weather. Are you?
Contact
Shane Dorrill, UA communications, shane.dorrill@ua.edu