be safe during... a twister!

technically, a tornado can occur anytime. but texas tornado season is typically from march through june, but, so you'd best be gettin' ready.

so, if you chance to meet a tornado (and according to live science, texas is the tornado champion, with an average of 110 tornadoes per year!):

the best thing you can do for yourself and your family is to be alert to the onset of severe weather. do not ignore the weather because of indifference or over-confidence - pay attention!


Q: how do i know? what is the difference between a warning and a watch?
A: if a watch has been issued for your area, a tornado is possible. if a warning has been issued for your area, then it means that a tornado has been actually spotted, or is strongly indicated on the radar, and you should seek a safe shelter immediately.

Q: where is the safest place to go during a tornado?
A: unless you have a storm shelter specifically designed for this purpose, the best place to go is into a small, windowless room on the first floor, such as a bathroom or closet. if this is not possible, a hall closet is probably your next best bet. if possible, cover yourself with a mattress to keep flying or falling debris from injuring you or take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture.

Q: how should i prepare for a tornado?
A: make sure that you and your family conduct regular emergency drills - so everyone knows where to go and what to do. the last thing you need is to panic! if you are outside your home, make sure that you have all agreed on a "contact person," someone who is outside the area that you can all contact should you be separated from your family.

and of course, a tornado would be a classic example of when you would need your 72-hour kit. stay tuned for an entire post and checklist for your 72-hour kits. and of course, attend the meeting on march 31st for more details.

be safe during... a flood.

technically, any sort of freak accident could befall you at any time - snowstorm in june? not likely, but possible. but here in texas, we would most likely fall victim to:

1. flood,


2. hurricane,
   
3. tornado,


4. drought,


5. thunderstorm,


6. winter/ice storm,


7. of course a fire could happen anywhere, and


8. or perhaps some manner of disease epidemic
   

we'll go through these a few at a time. no need to get all gloom-n-doom and overwhelmed at once. so, if you chance to meet a flood, what should you do?

planning ahead -- well first let's address what you should have done already - have insurance. yeah, it's kind of a drag - but it's important. FEMA released a statement in 2005 saying: "flood insurance is affordable. everyone needs it. it is the first line of defense to protect against the cost of flood damage." since i'm no insurance pro, i won't go through the technicalities of the policies; i will leave it at this: insurance - it's important, so look into it. and then get it. if you don't know where to start, google it.

vehicle safety -- if you're at work, or outside your home and are worried about a flood coming, you may think you'd best be getting in your car to get home. ironically, this might be the most dangerous choice. texas has the highest number of flood-related fatalities, almost all deaths were vehicle-related. most cars will float and be swept away in 18-24 inches of moving water -- and don't think because you have a van or suv that you're safer than the mazda miata next to you. you're not really. if your car is swept away, it will likely roll or even flip over entirely. once this happens, you have only seconds to escape the vehicle - and can you even imagine trying to undo those tricky carseat buckles when really, all you want to do is panic?

so what should you do if you're out driving (or about to drive home)? just hurry up and wait for the rains to pass; resist the urge to rush home during heavy rain. remember: turn around, don't drown!

be safe at home -- even if you're dry and warm inside, there are still some hazards to be on the lookout for; here are some tips:

1. turn off your electricity - some appliances can shock you, even if unplugged. so don't use any appliance that has gotten wet unless you have cleaned and dried it


2. watch for animals - many small animals, including snakes, can be pushed from their homes and may try to join you in yours. so keep your eye out for them!


3. watch where you step - the ground can become covered with debris, including broken glass. or, it could be very slippery with mud - so tread lightly.


4. check for gas leaks


5. clean everything that got wet - in a flood, the waters can pick up sewage and chemicals from roads, factories, businesses, storage spaces and many other undesirable places. food, cosmetics, medicines can all become tainted if they get wet - when in doubt, throw it out!


6. have your emergency kits handy - if you are told to evacuate, do it. it will be way simpler and safer if you do it when first advised instead of holding out. and take your emergency kits with you.


7. make sure your whole family knows of your emergency communication plan and that you have all decided what to do in an emergency (where to go, who to call, where to meet, etc.). and if you have pets, don't forget to plan ahead for them as well.

most importantly, do not underestimate the destructive power of a flood. it is more than just a little rain.

safety tip source

photo source