Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 19-25
COSHOCTON – Last winter we had El Nin᷈o. This winter, it’s La Nin᷈a – still a very mild and unusual winter, with minimal snowfall and ice accumulations, and multiple record-breaking days with temps in the 60s and 70s. Although Ohio has seen more spring-like weather this winter – to include the National Weather Service confirmed seven tornado touch downs in southern Ohio on March 1.
In a coordinated effort with the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA), Governor John R. Kasich is proclaiming March 19-25 as Severe Weather Awareness Week and encourages all Ohioans to learn what to do to protect themselves from spring and summer weather hazards and home emergencies.
As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, as coordinated by OCSWA, the state of Ohio will participate in a statewide tornado drill and test its Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Wednesday, March 22 at 9:50 a.m. During this time, Ohio counties will sound and test their outdoor warning sirens. Schools, businesses and households are encouraged to practice their tornado drills and emergency plans.
According to Ohio Fire Code 409.2, schools must conduct tornado drills at least once a month whenever in session during the tornado season. Ohio’s “tornado season” is April 1 – July 30. Schools that participate in the statewide drill in March can usually credit that date as their required April tornado drill. Administrators can verify with their local fire chiefs.
What can Coshocton County Residents do during Severe Weather Awareness Week?
Know Ohio’s Weather Hazards – Know the different types of weather hazards that typically occur during the spring and summer. Know how severe weather could impact your home, your job, your community. Ohio’s springtime hazards include tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods, and even snowstorms through early spring. Visit the OCSWA website: www.weathersafety.ohio.gov to view current weather in Ohio, and to review severe weather safety and preparedness information.
Know the Weather Terms – Ensure that every member in the household knows the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado is imminent or occurring. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, do not stop to take photos or shoot video. Seek safe shelter immediately.
During tornado drills or actual tornado warnings, remember to DUCK!
D – Go DOWN to the lowest level, stay away from windows
U – Get UNDER something (such as a basement staircase or heavy table or desk)
C – COVER your head
K – KEEP in shelter until the storm has passed
Many Ohio counties have outdoor warning sirens that sound during severe storm and tornado warnings. During storm watches or warnings, listen to your NOAA Weather Radio or TV or radio news for up-to-date weather information.
People also receive notification of severe weather and other emergencies through their cellphones and mobile devices. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities. WEAs can notify you of extreme weather warnings, local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action, AMBER Alerts, and Presidential Alerts.
Coshocton County residents can sign up to receive emergency notifications through the CodeRED system. You can receive alerts not only for severe weather but for other situations that local officials determine to be hazardous or life threatening. To register your phone number and/or e-mail address visit www.coshoctonema.com and click the CodeRED tab near the top of the page.
Also the month of March is Severe Weather Preparedness Month. FEMA, the National Weather Service and OCSWA will promote flood, severe weather and tornado safety information.
Basic Flood Safety Tips
- If you are driving and have come to a flooded area, turn around and go the other way. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to drive (or walk) through flooded roadways.
- Just 6 inches of moving water can knock over an adult. And 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks.
- If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground. Flash floods are the number one cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.
- If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. If the water is moving, do not leave your car.
- Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.
During any weather event (flood watches, tornado warnings, severe thunderstorms), continue listening to local weather reports via radio, television or NOAA Weather Radio.
Additional flood safety information is available on OCSWA’s page.
The Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness is comprised of 16 agencies and organizations that are dedicated in educating Ohioans about the natural disasters that typically affect the state, and how to plan and prepare for severe weather incidents and home emergencies before they happen. For additional information on tornado and other severe weather safety and preparedness, visit the OCSWA website at www.weathersafety.ohio.gov.
Category: People & Places
