Spring can bring dangerous weather conditions and volatile storms, whipping up tornadoes, heavy rains, high winds, and lightning. Here are four tips to help you be prepared and aware.

1. Stay up to date on weather conditions.

Handheld devices and digital technologies keep you in the know, providing instant alerts that help you take necessary precautions when weather conditions suddenly change for the worse. There are several alerts and apps you can use to stay informed:

• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) – The WEA is a public safety system that sends individuals with compatible mobile devices geographically targeted messages (similar to a text) about safety threats in their area. The messages are authorized alerts from government agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the National Weather Service (NWS). The WEA covers extreme weather warnings and local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action.
• NOAA Weather Radar – This app shares official NWS information on warnings, watches, forecasts, and other hazards 24/7, with coverage in 96% of the country.
• Red Cross Disaster apps – The Red Cross offers apps that allow you to monitor many different severe weather and emergency alerts.
• Weather Underground – This app features a network of personal weather stations. Users can submit their own weather observations alongside the professional forecasts.
• Weather Channel – The Weather Channel app provides users all the information from their television station.

2. Create an emergency preparedness kit.

Your kit should include supplies you’ll need in the event of a power outage, such as water, food, a flashlight, batteries, blankets, and a first-aid kit. Check out this full list of suggested items from SafeElectricity.org.

3. Develop a family communication plan to keep in touch in case of a disaster.

For help developing your plan, visit ready.gov. Remember to select a safe, accessible meeting space where you can gather if an evacuation is called.

4. Stay away from downed power lines.

If a storm has passed, it doesn’t mean the danger is over. Never touch downed power lines or objects that could be in contact with them. Damaged power lines are not necessarily dead. Stay away and instruct others to do the same. If you come across downed power lines, call 911 to have the utility notified immediately.

Source: SafeElectricity.org

Photo Credit: Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management