Week helps Nebraska residents get severe weather ready

  • Published
  • By Debbie Aragon
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Many Americans might be surprised to learn more than 50 tornadoes have already left their mark across the nation in 2010 ... they may be even more taken aback to realize that number is below normal, according to the National Weather Service.

Last year in Nebraska alone, 39 tornadoes touched down, the first on March 23. The state also experienced softball-sized hail and wind gusts of 90 - 100 mph.

In Nebraska, part of what's known as "Tornado Alley," severe weather can cause significant property damage and potential loss of life, said Rhonda Woolridge, chief of Offutt's Emergency Management.

To help those who have lived in America's Heartland for awhile, and others who may be new to the Midwest, prepare for severe storms and tornados, state officials established March 22 - 26 as Nebraska's Severe Weather Awareness Week. The week includes a tornado safety drill March 24.

"The drill is a statewide event," Ms. Woolridge said, "and allows people to practice their response and get back into the groove of reacting to severe weather warnings."

Offutt participates, she said, "So our personnel get the same tune up and awareness as the local communities across the state."

The tornado drill also serves as the required annual natural disaster response exercise for the base, she added.

"It is important for the base to conduct an annual NDRE due to the potential of natural disasters occurring in the Omaha area," said Maj. Sean Coveney, chief of the 55th Wing's exercise and inspections division. "Tornadoes are a particular concern because they happen rapidly, with little or no warning, and can be devastating.

"Discussing severe weather and even better, participating in an annual event, keeps Offutt members sharp on how to respond to such natural occurrences," the major said.

According to the American Red Cross, there are three key actions to take when it comes to severe weather preparation - get a kit, make a plan and be informed.

Disaster kits should have at least three days of supplies in an easy-to-carry evacuation container, according to the ARC. Things to pack include water and food, a flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, clothing, map, tools, money and a radio.

When it comes to severe weather response, planning is key.

"Imagine your power being out for several days or even worse, having enough storm damage that you have to leave your home," Ms. Woolridge said. "Without a plan and even a disaster kit, you're going to be even more stressed. And, if for some reason your family should become separated, a plan will significantly increase your chances of being re-united in a timely manner.

"Don't forget your pets when you're planning," she added.

Planning should include talking to family members to establish responsibilities, learning how and when to turn off utilities and practicing evacuating from your home, according to the ARC.

Finally, the ARC recommends knowing how local authorities notify people about severe weather and becoming familiar with the names of surrounding towns and counties.

"The sirens for Offutt may not sound in conjunction with those of Sarpy County when a weather warning is announced," Ms. Woolridge said. "This is because Sarpy County sounds for the entire county - from the western edges beyond Gretna all the way to the river. The base sirens only sound when severe weather warning is within 5 miles.

"If any siren sounds, it's in your best interest to take shelter and listen to local television or radio for more information," she advised.

"The key thing I would like to see folks take away from (the tornado drill) is a renewed awareness for the potential of these events to occur at Offutt and to be thinking about how they are going to respond," Major Coveney said. "It's also important for folks to take that awareness home, to have a home plan for family members, including pets."

More information on severe weather response and preparation is available on Offutt's Emergency Management community of practice and at the National Weather Service's Web site at http://www.weather.gov/safety.php.

SEVERE WEATHER TERMINOLOGY FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM -- A thunderstorm is considered severe when it produces hail 1 inch (quarter size) or larger in diameter, winds which equal or exceed 58 mph or a tornado.

TORNADO -- A violently rotating column of air that extends from a cloud and is in contact with the ground. The entire column of air associated with a tornado isn't always visible. A tornado may only be visible once it has picked up enough dirt and debris.

WATCH -- Issued when conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather in and close to the watch area. The size of the watch can vary depending on the weather situation and is usually issued for a duration of four to eight hours. During the watch, people should review severe weather safety rules and be prepared to move to a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.

WARNING -- Issued when severe weather is detected by radar or reported by storm spotters. Information in this warning will include the location of the storm, what areas will be affected and the primary threat associated with the storm. People in the affected area should seek safe shelter immediately. Remember that severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes with little or no advance warning. Warnings can be issued without a watch already in effect.