By Staff
Dowagiac Department of Public Safety Director Thomas A. Atkinson continues the information from the June 22 Safety Corner guidance from the American Red Cross and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in planning for severe weather.
The following is information provided in their preparedness guide "Thunderstorms…Tornadoes…Lightning…Nature's Most Violent Storms":
Lightning occurs in all thunderstorms. Most lightning fatalities and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening.
To determine how far away a thunderstorm is located, count the number of seconds between a flash of lightning and the next clap of thunder.
Divide this number by five to determine the distance to the lightning in miles.
A 30/30 lightning safety rule offers a good guideline.
Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder.
Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
Straight-line winds are responsible for most thunderstorm wind damage.
Winds can exceed 100 mph.
One type of straight-line wind, the downburst, can cause damage equivalent to a strong tornado and can be extremely dangerous to aviation.
Most flash flood fatalities occur at night and most victims are people who become trapped in automobiles.
Six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet; a depth of two feet will cause most vehicles to float.
Large hail causes more than $1 billion in damage to property and crops each year. Large stones fall at speeds faster than 100 mph.
Although we cannot control the weather, we can limit our vulnerability by taking some basic steps prior to an event occurring.
Develop a plan and safety kit for your home and vehicle.
Discuss your plan with your family and designate a friend or family member who lives outside of the immediate area as your emergency contact.
When local communication lines are damaged during a storm, service may be available to those outside the area. Each family member should call that pre-designated number to check in for updates on other family members.
Identify a safe place to take shelter and have frequent drills.
Have a NOAA Weather Radio with warning alarm tone and battery back-up to receive warnings.
Listen to radio and television for weather and sheltering information.
There are models available that utilize battery or wind-up features for use when power outages occur.
Check weather forecasts before leaving for extended periods outdoors and watch for approaching storms. If severe weather threatens, check on people who are elderly, very young or physically or mentally disabled.
Tips for preparing family disaster supply kits were provided in a previous edition of Safety Corner.
Residents are encouraged to create an emergency plan and basic kit for use in such emergencies.
Dowagiac and Cass County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members will be on hand during Dowagiac's Summer in the City event Thursday, July 23, through Saturday, July 25, with a display kit and additional information.
Plan to stop by the "Safety Corner" on Commercial Street between Front Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.
"Safety Corner" will be hosted by Dowagiac Department of Public Safety (Police and Fire), Dowagiac CERT/SERT, Cass County SERT and other emergency response units.
Displays, demonstrations, safety characters and MORE will be available – mark you calendar!
Next week's Safety Corner article will feature additional information on what YOU can do when threatening weather approaches, tips on what to listen for when using your NOAA weather radio and additional resources for severe weather safety tips.
Your thoughts
Contact Patty (Carlisle) Klug at the Dowagiac Police Department (269) 782-9743 to make comments regarding the content of Safety Corner and to suggest topics for future articles.