During Severe Weather Preparedness Week from March 13-19, the National Weather Service and government agencies encouraged residents to prepare and stay safe during inclement weather.
Indianapolis can be vulnerable to weather events such as heavy winds, flooding, tornadoes, extreme heat, and more. While different weather events may call for different responses, it is important for residents to be knowledgeable on how to protect themselves and their families.
Springtime in Indiana brings weather extremes and occasionally events that can be life-threatening. The National Weather Service issues watches for severe weather — conditions are favorable for certain extreme weather events, such as floods or tornadoes. The NWS may issue a warning when severe weather is imminent, and they will specify where the threat is greatest.
Below are a few common severe weather events affecting the Indianapolis areas as well as tips on how to stay safe:
• Flooding: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. When faced with flooding and high waters, turn around, don’t drown.
• High heat: heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States. During extreme heat, it is important to drink plenty of water and avoid being outdoors for extended periods of time. If outdoors, wear loose-fitting clothing and remember to rehydrate.
• Severe thunderstorms: it is important to stay informed of severe thunderstorm watches and warnings in order to know how to best prepare. During a severe thunderstorm, stay indoors, and if traveling, be sure to stay away from downed power lines or debris.
• Tornadoes: Indiana is in “Tornado Alley” and sees on average 22 tornadoes per year. The highest number tornadoes in a single year was 72 in 2011,and the most seen on one day was June 2, 1990. Tornado sirens are tested regularly in Marion County on Fridays at 11 a.m. and can be heard across the county. Tornado season begins in April, but they can occur any time of the year. Last year, tornadoes killed 103 Americans.
In addition to extreme weather events, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also issues Air Quality Alerts when air quality become poor due to excessive ozone, particulates in the air, and other pollutants. Air quality action days are sometimes declared as Knozone days, when sensitive individuals may have difficulty breathing.
In case of an imminent threat from severe weather, designate a safe place at home and at work. All family members should know where to go in case of an emergency. In the case of a tornado, the safest place is in your home in the basement under a sturdy table, or upstairs in a room away from windows.
Build a simple preparedness kit for extreme weather conditions in a backpack or small storage container. Make sure you have a working flashlight with charged batteries, an extra charging cable for your cell phone or other devices, a small first aid kit, face mask, and copies of important documents for every member of the family. Vaccination records for pets, and extra leash and ID should be included in the preparations. Remember to pack a change of clothing and sensible shoes, and medications in case you have to evacuate.
