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Understanding weather emergencies

(Metro Creative) - Weather emergencies can happen at any time of year and in any part of the world. Learning to recognize the most common weather hazards can help people confront adverse weather situations more capably.

High temperatures

High temperatures are experienced during the summer in many parts of the world. Heat waves occur when high temperatures stick around for two or more days, advises the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. To qualify as a heat wave, temperatures have to exceed the historical averages for a given area. High-pressure systems trap air in one place as it warms, leading to a heat wave. While heat waves may not seem especially dangerous, the NOAA says they kill more people than all other weather-related disasters combined.

Floods

A flood is a major weather hazard that is caused by heavy rainfall over a given area in a short period of time. During a flood, water does not drain quickly enough. Flooding occurs rather suddenly and has the potential to cause loss of life and property damage. Raging torrents of water can form and rip through anything in their path, states the National Weather Service. Flooding is dangerous while it is hap-

pening, but also afterwards, as live wires, waste and debris can pose their own hazards.

Hurricanes Hurricanes are destructive and dangerous storms that may be referred to as “cyclones” and “typhoons” in other parts of the world. These storms cause high winds, flooding, heavy rain, and tidal surges. Unlike some other storms, hurricanes can be tracked for days prior to making landfall. That means people have ample time to take the necessary steps to stay safe when they’re in the path of a hurricane.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes form a concentrated, highly volatile and rapidly rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the Earth and a cloud. National Geographic says their winds may top 250 miles per hour and affect pathways up to a mile wide and 50 miles long. Tornadoes have been reported in various countries, but are most often seen in the United States.

Additional weather hazards include earthquakes, blizzards, wildfires, mudslides, and even run-of-the-mill thunderstorms. Understanding storms can help people recognize the appropriate measures they can take to stay safe should they find themselves in the line of an adverse weather event.

The differences between weather warnings and watches

(Metro Creative Connection)Animals, particularly household pets, are selflessWeather is hard to predict. Meteorologists have many tools at their disposal to help forecast storms and other phenomena, but it is impossible to predict the weather with 100 percent accuracy.

When the weather takes a turn for the worse, the National Weather Service may issue certain notices to prepare the public. Understanding the level of threat a notice carries can help people take appropriate action and avoid serious consequences.

The NWS uses a four-tier system to alert the public of hazards. Here’s a closer look at what each tier constitutes.

Outlook

This is the least serious weather alert. It usually means that hazardous weather may approach in the next three to seven days. The public should monitor the situation and stay tuned for further updates.

Advisory

With an advisory, weather conditions are not overly serious but could prove inconvenient. Individuals should be cautious and prudent when preparing supplies or traveling.

Watch

During a weather watch, there is an increased risk of a hazardous weather occurrence, though the timing or location is still uncertain. This is when it is essential to practice an evacuation or preparedness plan and stock up on any last-minute supplies.

Warning

The most serious of the weather impact notifications, a warning constitutes an imminent or likely event. The weather may cause a threat to property or life. Immediate action to stay safe is necessary.

While these alerts are based on the severity of impending weather, it is important to note that the NWS will not necessarily follow the same timeline with issuing alerts. That depends on how fast a weather situation develops. If there is time, an advisory, then a watch and then a warning may be issued. However, if a storm moves in rapidly, only a warning may be issued. People always should pay attention to weather notices so they can be prepared should severe weather be in the forecast.

Insurance protection for emergency situations

(Metro Creative) - Emergencies, especially storms, can be unpredictable and cause personal injury and costly damage to homes. The right insurance is essential to help mitigate damage from storms and soften the financial blow that such destruction can cause. Not all insurance is the same, and additional policies and riders may help reduce the impact of emergencies.

Homeowners insurance

Standard homeowners insurance policies will cover a wide range of issues. American Family Insurance says damage from wildfires, wind storms, tornadoes, ice storms, lightning strikes, hail, power surges, and fallen trees is included. But additional coverage may be needed to cover excessive damage.

Matching siding coverage

Some homeowners may want to replace all of the siding on their homes if parts are damaged and color or siding materials cannot be matched exactly by patching up damaged areas.

Roof replacement insurance

This insurance will be used to pay for the full re-

placement of a roof, minus the deductible, which may differ from what’s covered through standard homeowners policies.

Sump pump overflow insurance

Sump pumps are designed to engage and pump water out of basements and crawl spaces, helping to avoid flooding in the home. If the power goes out and the sump pump cannot work, or if the sump pump fails, homeowners typically are not covered for any ensuing damage. Sump pump overflow insurance provides additional peace of mind and protection.

Flood insurance

Homeowners insurance may not cover flood damage, especially if a home is in a flood zone. Flood insurance can bridge the gap of coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program offers building coverage and contents coverage policies. Building coverage will cover carpeting, electrical and plumbing systems, window blinds, foundation walls, and more. Contents coverage protects curtains, personal clothing and furniture, artwork, and appliances, among other things.

Umbrella insurance

According to Geico, umbrella insurance is extra insurance that provides protection that goes beyond limitations and coverage of other policies. It can offer coverage for injuries to people staying at your house or renting your property, property damage, personal liability, and certain lawsuits.

Renters insurance

Renters insurance protects renters, yet the Independent Insurance Adjusters & Brokers of America says almost two-thirds of residential lessees in the United States do not carry renters insurance. Renters insurance can protect belongings destroyed in a fire or weather event; provide assistance should someone be injured in your apartment; or it can protect you if you were found legally responsible for damages to someone’s property, according to State Farm Insurance.

Many types of insurance can offer various levels of protection in emergency situations. An insurance representative can walk interested parties through the policies available to customize an insurance package that will offer sufficient protection against emergencies.

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How to handle driving in heavy rain

(Metro Creative) - The road is filled with variables that change each time drivers get behind the wheel. Whether it’s aggressive drivers, road construction crews or some other unknown, drivers can never say with certainty what they will encoun ter while on the road.

Mother Nature is as significant a variable as any drivers will face, and many conditions can turn otherwise ordinary trips into ordeals that put motorists’ skills to the test. Though heavy rain might not seem as difficult to navigate as snow, it’s vital that drivers recognize the threat posed by such conditions. In fact, the Federal Highway Administration reports that each year 75 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on wet pavement, while 47 percent, or nearly half, happen while rain is falling.

Such statistics are sobering and underscore how dangerous it can be to drive in rain or when roads are wet. Drivers are not helpless in such conditions, especially when they exercise caution in wet conditions.

• Slow down. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that drivers will have a harder time controlling or stopping their vehicles on slick roads than dry roads. And that’s the case for both experienced and novice motorists. When driving in the rain or on wet roads, drivers should slow down, even if it requires driving a little below the speed limit. Though it can be dangerous to drive too slowly on highways, drivers can use the

far-right lane on such roads, which is not considered a passing lane and is often seen as the lane designated for vehicles moving more slowly.

• Leave extra room between your car and other vehicles. The NHTSA also advises increasing the following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you when driving in rain or

on wet roads. An extra couple of car lengths ensures you will have more time to react and stop if vehicles ahead of you encounter issues.

• Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists. Though pedestrians and cyclists typically avoid walking or cycling in heavy rains, that does not mean there will be none on the road. That’s especially so when heavy rains fall suddenly, leaving pedestrians and cyclists already on the road with little options but to continue. Visibility can be especially compromised in heavy rains, which makes it even harder to see pedestrians and cyclists. So drivers should not assume the roads are only populated by fellow motorists and must be especially vigilant to avoid hitting pedestrians

• Travel familiar roads. Though familiarity does not mean motorists can be less vigilant when driving in rain, knowing the roads you’re on and the route you’re taking can ensure your eyes are focused on the road at all times and not periodically glancing at GPS maps on your dashboard. If you’re planning a road trip and know heavy rain will factor in at some time, familiarize yourself with evacuation routes along the way to your destination. The NHTSA also recommends drivers learn which local radio stations to tune into for emergency alerts.

Driving in heavy rain is no small task. But drivers can approach such conditions with caution to ensure they make it home safe.

Items to include in a disaster supplies kit

(Metro Creative) - Previous natural disasters have shown everyone how unpredictable the fallout from storms and other weather events can be. For example, drone footage of areas ravaged by hurricanes or tornados often shows a few seemingly untouched homes in a sea of properties that were leveled or damaged beyond repair. Such footage shows how much damage natural disasters can do and underscores the importance of preparation to surviving potentially deadly storms. In recognition of that importance, the American Red Cross advises everyone to prepare a disaster supplies kit that they can utilize should they need to evacuate their homes. The Red Cross recommends including the following items in the kit and storing them in an easy-to-carry container, such as a backpack or duffel bag.

• Water: Include one gallon of water per person per day and store it in sealed, unbreakable containers. Date each container and replace it every six months.

• Food: Maintain a supply of nonperishable packaged or canned food. Store a non-electric can opener with the food.

• Clothing: Include a change of clothing as well as rain gear and sturdy shoes.

• Sleeping essentials: Pack a blanket or sleeping bag for each member of the family.

• First aid kid and prescription medications: If

necessary, individuals can speak with their physicians in advance of their region’s storm season to request their prescriptions are updated so they can more easily get their medicine should they run out while they are away from home.

• Eyeglasses: Pack an extra pair of eyeglasses should an existing pair be lost or broken while away from home.

• Battery-powered electronics: Pack a battery-powered radio and flashlight and plenty of

extra batteries as well.

• Extra set of car keys

• Medical lists: Include a list of family physicians for each individual in the supply kit. In addition, document the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers.

Disaster supplies kits can help individuals and their families safely navigate the initial aftermath of potentially deadly storms.

How to prepare for an EXTENDED power outage

(Metro Creative) - Planning ahead can help make adverse situations more manageable. Such is the case when storms strike and the power goes out. Extended power outages may not be pleasant, but some proactive planning can make it easier to withstand blackouts.

• Establish a local support network. Support can be just as valuable as supplies when confronting power outages. The American Red Cross urges individuals to identify people who can help them during an extended power outage. Such individuals may help you stay at home or evacuate if the power will be out for a lengthy period of time. Support networks can include relatives who live in nearby towns, but also neighbors. A single street can be served by different substations and main power lines, so friends or neighbor across the street may keep their power when your house does not, or vice versa. When the power goes out, support networks can pool their resources in various ways, including sharing refrigerators or allowing neighbors without power to access the internet. Such support makes it easier for

everyone to get through the outage with as little interruption to their lives as possible.

• Print a list of important contacts. If the power is out, it’s only a matter of time before smartphones lose their battery power. Phones can always be plugged into vehicles to get a quick power boost, but that’s not the most practical way to keep phones charged, especially if local roads are closed. A printed list of important contacts, including nearby relatives like seniors who may be incapacitated, doctors and school officials, ensures people whose phone batteries have died can still contact their loved ones and other important individuals so long as they can use a neighbor’s or a loved one’s phone.

• Learn to use your generator. Consumer Reports notes that improper operation of a generator can quickly prove deadly. If carbon monoxide concentrations are too high, individuals can lose their lives in as little as five minutes. And this is no insignificant threat, as the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 95 people died from generator-associated carbon monoxide

poisoning in 2017. CR recommends operating generators at least 20 feet away from the house. Individuals should familiarize themselves with their generators upon purchasing them so they aren’t forced to endure a trial by fire when the power goes out.

• Stock up on essentials. The Red Cross recommends keeping a two-week supply of nonperishable food and water in the house, making sure to date each container of water and replace it every six months. Keep some extra coolers in the house so food can be stored on ice before it spoils in the refrigerator or freezer. In addition, make sure there’s enough blankets in the house to keep everyone warm overnight, as it’s not safe to use outdoor heaters indoors. Stock up on battery-powered lights and candles to light the house at night, but make sure all candles are extinguished before going to bed.

Extended power outages can be a nuisance. Planning for such outages in advance can make blackouts more manageable.

Be safe when lightning strikes during peak storm season

(Metro Creative) - A change in seasons often brings about a change in the weather as well. Seasons marked by increased humidity in the air and warmer temperatures often usher in afternoon or evening thunderstorms. With those thunderstorms come potentially dangerous lightning.

The National Weather Service says lightning strikes the United States roughly 25 million times a year, killing an average of 47 people each year. Worldwide, lighting kills as many as 2,000 people every year, states National Geographic. Even though the odds of being struck by lightning are low, certain factors put people at greater risk. Florida is considered the “lightning capital” of the United States, so residents of the Sunshine State should always exercise extreme caution upon seeing lightning. Residents of Alabama, Colorado, North Carolina, and Texas also must be extra cautious when lightning strikes.

To stay safe, remember the mantra, “When thunder roars, go indoors.” In addition, the following precautionary measures can help people stay safe when lightning strikes.

• Postpone outdoor activities if the weather forecast calls for thunderstorms. You also can use the 30-30 rule. After you see lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors. Suspend activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder, offers the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Avoid open areas outside. Do not be the tallest object in a field or area. Also, stay away from isolated tall trees, utility poles and towers.

• If no shelter is available, crouch low with as little of your body touching the ground as possible.

• Lightning can travel through indoor plumbing, so avoid using water during a thunderstorm. Similarly, lightning can travel through electrical systems, like phones, radios and television reception systems.

• A car can be a safe place to stay if no other non-concrete shelter is available.

• Recognize that all thunderstorms produce lightning. Just because you can’t see lightning doesn’t mean it’s not there.

• Get out of pools or other bodies of water. Water is an excellent conductor of lightning.

• The human body does not store electricity, says the Insurance Information Institute. Therefore, if a person is struck, you can safely offer first aid.

Lightning is no joke and never something to take lightly. Exercise caution whenever thunderstorms roll in or when they are forecasted.

Tornado safety guide

(Metro Creative) - Roughly 1,000 tornadoes per year are reported to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Tornadoes are intense, violent storms that feature a column of air that extends from a thunderstorm cloud to the ground.

Tornadoes can occur anywhere in the world. However, the United States experiences more tornadoes than any other country.

Tornadoes, although impressive to watch, are volatile storms with great power. They have the capability to flip cars, destroy buildings and send deadly debris flying into the air. Intense winds can reach more than 200 miles per hour.

The Department of Homeland Security notes that there are many things people can do to keep themselves safe from tornadoes before, during and after these storms.

Before

Understand and learn about the risk for tornadoes where you live. People in the midwestern and southwestern United States have a greater risk of experiencing tornadoes than those elsewhere in the country.

Establish a safe room in your home, which can be a basement or a cellar. In rooms with no below-ground levels, the safest place is a small, interior room on the lowest level away from windows and doors.

Sign up for emergency alert warning systems that cater to your area so you know well in advance if

a tornado is coming. Practice what to do in the event of a tornado so the entire family knows what to do if disaster strikes.

Keep tornado readiness supplies handy. These include clean water, batteries, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, and packaged, nonperishable foods.

During Move indoors into a safe location for the duration of the tornado. Tornadoes blow through quite quickly so timing is of the essence. If you cannot get to shelter, lay down flat in a low-lying area. Do not go under a highway overpass or attempt to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.

Take additional precautions by shielding your head and neck with your arms or putting furniture and blankets around you to protect against debris.

Keep small children and pets close by and protect them as best as possible. Strapping an infant into a vehicle safety seat may be a good safety measure.

After

Assess the situation for safety after the tornado has moved through. Watch for downed electrical lines and check for the smell of gas. Do not turn on any appliances or switches if you detect the aroma of gas.

Do not try to move anyone who seems seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger. Call and wait for help if needed. It may take time for emergency personnel to reach you.

More information is available at www.ready.gov/tornadoes.

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