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Disaster Preparedness: Storm
Storms are a broad variety of weather patterns, ranging from the typical thunder-and-lightening variety to things like hurricanes, tornadoes, and ice storms. Storms can be quitemild at times and cause little to no damage or injury; but that same storm, when combinedwith the right pressure or temperature, could become damaging and possibly even fatal.America is the most severe weather prone country on earth; no one else has the varietyand recurrence of sever weather patterns as the U.S. does.On average, American suffer through 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 1,000 tornadoes,and 2 land falling deadly hurricanes. Not to mention the myriad of other types of storms:windstorms, ice storms, winter storms, and many more.Because storms happen in virtually every state across the U.S., preparing for this kind of emergency is perhaps the most important emergency planning a person can do. Andbecause there are so many different types and levels of severity in storms, people basicallyhave to prepare for anything and everything to go wrong if they are to be prepared for allthe different types of weather that could happen in their area.The first step to storm preparedness is storm awareness. People should know what types of storms are common, or even possible, in their area. They should be aware of anyemergency buildings or phone numbers, and they should know where emergency supplieswill be handed out if possible.Communities will also often have some sort of warning system if there is a severe storm inthe area, so know where to look for those and how to interpret the different levels of severity.For example, there is a difference between a storm watch and a storm warning. A watch iswhen there is a possibility of a storm being in or near the area sometime in the next 36hours. A warning, however, is when a storm will certainly be, or already is in the area.Watches mean to be wary; warnings mean to prepare for the worst and to evacuate if toldto do so.There could be other, community-specific codes and warnings, which is why it is soimportant to be well aware of the community’s plan of action during any emergency,especially a storm.Besides just knowing the basics of storm survival in the area, it’s also important for eachindividual to have a plan. Every member of the household should know the plan to the bestof their ability; when possible, run emergency drills. This will familiarize everyone with whatwill be a very stressful situation, should a storm ever force the drill to become a reality.As far as individual plans go, each household should establish at least two different meetingplaces--one in the neighborhood, and one elsewhere, just in case it isn’t safe. Be sure thatchildren know what to do when they’re at school, and check with managers or companyowners to find out what the workplace is doing as far as disaster preparedness.Sometimes it will not be safe to return home during or even after a storm, which is why it’sso important to have a meeting spot besides the house. Children especially need to knowwhat to do if they are ever caught outside during a storm: basically, they must find shelter,preferably indoors as quickly as possible. The safest place indoors is usually below groundand away from any windows or doors.Being aware of storms before they occur is the first step to avoiding any disaster, but thereis a good deal more to do before anyone can comfortably sit back and relax during a terriblestorm. After people learn about severe weather, they must prepare for it. This preparationtakes the form of storm proofing the house and having medical supplies and some training.Ambulances cannot drive any better than a regular car on roads that have been totallyblocked by debris or in winds that are simply too strong. People must know how to takecare of themselves as well as they can, or there will be many more casualties of thisweather than there needs to be.Storm-proofing the home can be broken down into three easy-to-remember parts: storm-proof the roof, the windows, and the doors. In order to storm-proof the roof, first determinewhat type it is. Old gables roofs are susceptible to high winds; these can be fortified by
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matteopera

Thank you very much for an important and practical content.

reply09 / 30 / 2009
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