Gov. declares March Severe Weather Preparedness Month

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By Greg Thomas, Adair Co. Disaster Emergency Coordinator

The annual state-wide tornado drill is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 9:07amCT.

Earlier this monthGovernor Steven Beshear signed aproclamation declaring March as Severe Storms Preparedness Month across theCommonwealth of Kentucky.


The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, theKentucky Weather Preparedness Committee and the National Weather Serviceoffices that serve the state of Kentucky have all designated this month as atime for severe weather preparedness.

Kentucky Division of Emergency Management and Kentucky WeatherPreparedness Committee urge you and your family to review these safety tipsas we enter the peak severe weather season in Kentucky:

Flash flooding safety rules

According to statistics from the National Weather Service; flash floods andfloods are the most recent year's number one storm related killer in Kentuckyand across the United States.

• If driving, Do not drive through flooded areas! even if it looksshallow enough to cross. The majority of deaths due to flooding are due topeople driving through flooded areas. Water only one foot deep displaces 1500pounds! Two feet of water can easily carry most vehicles. Roadways concealedby floodwaters may not be intact.


• If caught outside, go to higher ground immediately! Avoid smallrivers or streams, low spots, culverts, or ravines. Do not try to walkthrough flowing water more than ankle deep, as it only takes six inches ofwater to knock you off your feet. Do not allow children to play aroundstreams, drainage ditches, or viaducts, storm drains, or other flooded areas.


• If ordered to evacuate or if rising water is threatening, leaveimmediately and get to higher ground.

Lightning safety rules

Lightning is the number two storm related killer. In Kentucky, more peopleare killed by lightning in an average year than tornadoes. Although severethunderstorm warnings are NOT issued for lightning, you should move toshelter when thunder is heard as lightning can strike 10 to 15 miles awayfrom where the rain is falling.

• If outside, go to a safe shelter immediately, such as inside a sturdybuilding. A hard top automobile with the windows up can also offer fairprotection.


• If you are boating or swimming, get out of the water immediately andmove to a safe shelter away from the water!


• If you are in a wooded area, seek shelter under a thick growth ofrelatively small trees.


• If you feel you hair standing on end, squat with your head betweenyour knees. Do not lie flat!


• Avoid isolated trees or other tall objects, bodies of water, sheds,fences, convertible automobiles, tractors, and motorcycles.


• If inside, avoid using the telephone (except for emergencies) orother electrical appliances.


• Do not take a bath or shower during a thunderstorm.

Tornado/severe thunderstorm safety rules

• In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter such as abasement.


• If an underground shelter is not available, move to a small interiorroom or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece offurniture. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outdoors.


• Stay away from windows.


• Get out of automobiles.


• Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave itimmediately for safe shelter. Do not seek shelter in an underpass.


• If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a nearby ditch ordepression and cover your head with your hands.


• Be aware of flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes and highwinds causes most fatalities and injuries.


• Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection fromtornadoes or high winds. You should leave a mobile home and go to the lowestfloor of a sturdy building or storm shelter.

This story was posted on 2008-02-27 10:14:26