Keep Your Family Safe During Severe Storms
As we move into the warmer summer months, it’s important to be aware of changing weather conditions. The National Weather Service predicts above normal temperatures for much of the United States. This increase in warm weather can cause more storms than usual, and increase their severity. Do you have a plan to keep your family safe during a storm? If not, then you need to plan now for severe summer storms.
What’s The Difference Between A Watch And A Warning?
While severe storms can have dangerous winds and lightning, the main danger in Ohio comes from tornados. Tornado winds can range from a buffeting 40 mph all the way up to a devastating 300 mph. That makes it essential for you to understand the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.
A tornado watch is when you have all of the ingredients to have a tornado. First off, you need warm moist air on the ground, and cold dry air in the sky. Secondly, you need a change in wind speed or height. The temperature difference between to air near the ground and high in the air promotes updrafts. Meanwhile, the wind speed and direction influence rotation. As the storm grows, it pulls in warm air near the ground and shoots it upwards. This movement makes the storm cell rotate more. When a curving cloud or wall cloud extends downward towards the ground form the rest of the storm, conditions are right to spawn tornados.
A tornado warning means that a tornado funnel is either forming or has been spotted. Tornados are spotted by radar or by weather spotters on the ground. Tornado are especially dangerous when they are wrapped in rain and difficult to see.
How Do You Keep Safe During A Tornado?
Pay attention to the weather if a watch is called in your area. Tornados can form quickly so be sure to keep a battery-powered weather radio on hand. If your local weather station calls a warning, head for shelter. A basement is commonly known as the safest place. However, if you are in a location that does not have a basement, closets and doorways in the center of your home away from windows are the next safest option. If you are in a car, pull over, and lay down at the lowest area you can find.
What If My Power Goes Out?
Severe storms can damage cables or cut power even if there is no tornado. Some storms can cause enough damage that an area may be without power for a long time. The first thing is to make a disaster plan for your home. Be sure to keep at least 1 gallon of water per person (and pet) on hand. Make sure you have non-perishable food on hand, and if you are using cans, a manual can opener. Keep spare battery banks to keep your cellphone charged.
If your power goes out when a storm strikes, don’t call your electricity supplier! Remember that your local electric utility owns the poles and wires that bring electricity to your home. Call them to report downed power lines or other damage. Your local electric utility should be able to give you an estimate for how long your power will remain out.
Stay Prepared For Severe Storms
Summer storms don’t have to be a source of worry for your family. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready for anything that comes up. And if your electric bill is a source of worry, you can fix that right here. Shop great plans at www.ohenergyratings.com