Springing into severe weather season

March 01--Tennessee is in the midst of its annual Severe Weather Awareness Week, currently running from Feb. 26 through March 4. And, state officials are predicting a stronger than usual bout with severe weather due to the drought conditions experienced last year.

David Breeding, director of the Claiborne Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security, predicted a warmer than usual winter. His predictions have proven true.

During an interview late last year, Breeding used information from the National Weather Service to foresee a ramped up severe weather season in which tornadoes, floods and other unstable patterns could prove a threat for county residents.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) exerts a lot of effort to insure that the public has access to information that will prepare them for any type of natural, man made or technological disaster.

Patrick Sheehan, TEMA director, says that Tennessee experiences its most severe weather during the months of March, April and May.

"We want Tennesseans and our visitors to pay attention to and understand the weather, insure they have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings, and have a plan to get themselves and their loved ones to safety when severe weather warnings are issued," said Sheehan.

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) encourages the public to "be ready, make a plan and have a kit."

"We want to be proactive, taking a little time before a weather emergency is coming to start thinking about what we need to do to protect ourselves and the people and places we love," said TDH commissioner John Dreyzehner, M.D., M.P.H.

Tennessee Department of Health officials recommend constructing a solid plan, not only for the area in which you reside but also in areas to which you are likely to travel.

In a press release, the TDH encourages speaking with family members, beforehand, about where you will meet, how you will communicate and where to safely go, in the event you must evacuate or cannot return home.

An emergency kit should include a minimum of one gallon of water per day, per person and family pet. The kit should also include enough nonperishable food to sustain the family unit. Each emergency preparedness kit should have enough food and water to last at least three to five days.

Flashlights, a battery powered radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, personal hygiene items, a cell phone charger or solar charger, extra supplies of any medications and copies of important family documents should also be included in the kit.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency recommends several tips when severe weather hits. Never venture into high water, either on foot or in a vehicle. If told to take shelter during a tornado warning, move immediately to the basement or the innermost, first floor room in the home.

If your office or building has a tornado shelter, know in advance the best route to get there. Never try to outrun a tornado. Go indoors immediately upon hearing the first crack of thunder.

Have an emergency plan ready for all scenarios including work, school, daycare, outdoor events and during times of commuting.

Staying informed via NOAA Weather Radio or other listening and viewing devices is the most important preparedness tip for severe weather, TEMA officials say.

Several websites provide resources to assist residents in creating emergency plans.

For more information, log onto: www.ready.gov/ or www.emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/kit/disasters.

The United States Small Business Administration website also has information on emergency preparedness. Log onto: www.sba.gov/managing-business/running-business/emergency-preparedness for more information. Or, access the Ready website by logging onto: www.ready.gov/workplace-plans.

Follow TEMA on Facebook, TNDisasterInfo, on Twitter @TEMA and at www.tnema.org.

Reach Jan Runions at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @scribeCP.

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