Have a plan: Don't get blown away by severe weather

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Russell Black
  • 71st Operations Support Squadron
Vance Air Force Base --  Severe weather season is rapidly approaching. Spring severe weather season at Vance and in Enid generally runs from April to May.
Thunderstorms are commonplace in the southern plains. They produce lightning, hail, strong winds, heavy rain and occasionally tornadoes.
Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes most often occur in the late afternoon during the hottest part of the day. However, severe thunderstorms can and do occur at any time of day.
Oklahoma is prime real estate for severe thunderstorms because of its geographical location. Warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico creates an unstable environment. Hot, dry air moving in from the desert southwest and cold, dry air from Canada collide with the warm, moist air and create lift to spawn thunderstorms. Most thunderstorms only last 30 to 45 minutes, are not severe and rarely produce tornadoes.
However, some thunderstorms do become severe and produce tornadoes. Unfortunately, this occurs frequently in Oklahoma, with central Oklahoma being in the statistical heart of "Tornado Alley."
Some Oklahoma residents may have heard about the Fujita, or F scale. The scale is a way for meteorologists to measure the strength of a tornado. This should mean nothing new to people in the path of a tornado. If a tornado is coming their way, the last thing they should be concerned with is what it rates on the F or EF scale. An F0 or EF0 could still injure or kill. People should take cover as soon as they are warned.
Despite Oklahoma's higher risk, there is no reason to fear severe thunderstorms or tornadoes. Just give them a healthy dose of respect. Some knowledge, common sense and planning ahead will make people a "hard target" for severe weather.
Understanding the difference between a watch and a warning is the first step in preparing for a storm. A watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. Take watches seriously; they are meant to give a "heads up."
Start making preparations to seek shelter when a watch is issued. A warning means severe weather is occurring or is expected to occur. Make final preparations and seek shelter.
Safety Tips
Below are some tips to keep families safe:
n Be alert to the weather. Stay tuned to the radio or television. The local radio and TV stations provide outstanding severe weather coverage. Get a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio with the Specific Area Message Encoding alert feature and a battery backup. SAME allows people to receive alerts that only affect their county or region. This way, their weather radio will only go off when threatening weather is likely to affect them. Battery backup will ensure people stay updated even if power is lost. The fact most storm-related deaths and injuries occur when severe weather strikes overnight should be reason enough to own one of these radios. They will keep families aware even while sleeping.
n Have a plan before severe weather strikes. This should include some type of survival kit with fresh water, flashlight, radio, extra batteries, canned goods, telephone numbers and more. Keep a cell phone on hand. Pick a designated shelter in advance. This should be in the home or nearest building for people on Vance. Make sure all family members know where the designated shelter is.
n If a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued, take shelter immediately. The preferred shelter location is on the lowest floor in the most interior room. Get as many walls between family members and the outside walls as possible. Stay away from large windows and wide-span roofs. Wrap up in blankets to protect from flying debris. If living in a mobile home or caught in a car, abandon them immediately and seek shelter. Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If caught out in the open, lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression and use hands to cover head. Only seek shelter under a highway overpass as a last resort. Despite some popular and thrilling video footage of people surviving tornadoes under an overpass, they are not a good choice for shelter. A ditch or depression is a far better choice.
n The dangers of lightning are often overlooked. When inside, avoid using corded telephones and electrical appliances. Don't take a bath or shower. If caught outdoors, get to a safe shelter immediately, such as inside a sturdy building. A car offers fair protection. If boating or swimming, get out of the water immediately and move to a safe shelter away from the water. If in a wooded area, seek shelter under a thick growth of relatively small trees. Avoid isolated trees or other tall objects, bodies of water, sheds, fences and convertible cars. If a tingling sensation occurs or if hair stands on end, it means an electrical charge immediately preceding a lightning strike is building up. Immediately squat down with the head between the knees -- do not lie flat.
Stay alert, plan ahead, use common sense and most of all enjoy the beautiful Oklahoma spring.