Ohio Severe Weather Awareness
March 23-29, 2008 is Ohio’s Severe Weather Awareness Week, focused on getting Ohio residents prepared for tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods, and other severe weather events that occur during the spring and summer seasons.
Viewer Tip: Ohio’s peak tornado season is generally April through July, and the state has designated today, Wednesday, March 26th for the “Statewide Tornado Drill.” This is your chance to develop and test a family tornado preparedness plan. Keep these tips in mind to be prepared:
- Always listen to your local media or NOAA Weather Radio for warnings and information about severe weather. It is important to remember, however, that tornadoes can occur with little or no warning, and you must be ready to act quickly.
- The safest place to be during a tornado is in the basement – if you don’t have a basement, choose a small room on the lowest floor, and as close to the center of your home as possible. The room should be away from windows – bathrooms or closets are good choices.
- If you are outside, head for lowest level of a nearby building. If there is no building to go to, protect yourself by lying flat on the ground in a low area, and cover your head with your arms and hands. Do not seek shelter under a highway overpass or bridge – these areas are not safe.
Find more information and severe weather preparedness tips at the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA) website: www.weathersafety.ohio.gov/.
Season: Spring
(Sources: Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness. “Tornado Facts, Safety Tips, and Insurance Information.” http://www.weathersafety.ohio.gov/TornadoFacts2007.aspx)