Editor’s note: April 12-16 is tornado and severe weather awareness week. In recognition, the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management has released the following information:
Welcome to day three of tornado and severe weather awareness week.
Advanced warning saves lives but do people act on that warning? In Joplin, Mo., the answer was no. People needed between two and nine warnings to take action and seek shelter.
What can you do? Listen, act and live during tornado season.
Listen: When severe weather is possible, meaning a thunderstorm or tornado watch has been issued, pick a credible source of information and keep in touch with that source until the danger has passed. One of the best tools is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio (also known as an emergency weather radio).
Act: When you hear a tornado warning, meaning a tornado has been seen by spotters or detected on radar, seek the best shelter you can find immediately. Don’t waste time checking multiple sources of information. You may have only seconds to find a safe place.
Live: Your chances of survival multiply when you listen and act. Hopefully the storm will pass with no damage. But don’t risk your life on a hope.
What is the difference between watches and warnings?
A weather watch is issued by the National Weather Service when the weather conditions are such that a severe storm is likely to develop. This is the time to locate a safe place in the home and tell family members to watch the sky and listen to the radio or television for more information.
A weather warning is issued when a severe storm has been sighted or detected by weather radar. At this point, the danger is very serious and everyone should go to a safe place, turn on a battery-operated radio or television, and wait for the “all clear” by the authorities.
Fun facts
Did you ever wonder about weather folklore? Here’s one to ponder: “If a fly lands on your nose, swat it till it goes. If the fly then lands again, it will bring back heavy rain.”
And here’s our weather joke:
Q: What did the thermometer say to the sun? A: You make my temperature rise.
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