Weather radios provide advance warning

Moments before severe weather strikes, some Fayette County residents will hear an alert from the county’s storm siren system.

But those sirens don’t cover the whole county, so the best way to stay safe is to use a NOAA weather alert radio, according to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City and the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

NOAA weather alert radios issue an audible alarm to warn of oncoming severe weather in Fayette County, such as the tornado that touched down in the Tyrone area Jan. 2.

The county’s weather warning sirens are located in areas of the county that are more susceptible to damage from tornados and straight-line winds, including the county’s manufactured housing communities, officials said.

The sirens will sound from three to five minutes only when there is a severe weather emergency, such as:
• A severe thunderstorm warning from the National Weather Service with damaging winds in excess of 65 mph.
• A tornado warning from the National Weather Service.
• A tornado has been spotted by public safety officials.
• Additional weather warnings have been issued.

When the sirens sound, residents should not call 911 unless there is an immediate emergency. Many times, when the sirens are activated, 911 operators are flooded with calls asking, “What do I do?”

The simple answer is: plan ahead, officials say.

Be prepared

Families should determine what room they should meet in. A basement is best, but safety zones can also be established in a center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor of the home. Make sure that room has no windows or glass doors.

Officials also recommend assembling a disaster supplies kit including:
• A first-aid kit and essential medications.
• A battery-operated radio to help with getting weather updates.
• A battery-powered flashlight to check your home for damage after the storm passes.

During the storm

If you are at home when severe weather strikes, go immediately to a basement or safe area in your home. Also, stay off hard wire phones and stay out of showers.

If you are outside in an open area away from shelter, lie flat on the ground away from trees until the storm passes. If your skin begins to tingle or your hair stands on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet, putting your hands over your ears and your head between your knees.

If you are in a vehicle, get out and find a more substantial structure. The National Weather Service also recommends those in mobile homes relocate to safer buildings as a precaution. Mobile homes, even if they are tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes, according to the NWS.

Call 911 only if there is an emergency, such as injured or trapped persons. During severe weather the 911 call center can become flooded, often times with persons who don’t have true emergencies, such as those who are concerned with getting their power back on, officials said.

Flash flooding is the number-one cause of deaths associated with thunderstorms, with more than 140 fatalities each year, according to the National Weather Service. Lightning is the second-deadliest cause with 80 fatalities a year, and tornadoes cause an average of 70 fatalities a year.

Straight-line winds are responsible for most wind damage from thunderstorms.

Cut and save this quick safety checklist

Before a storm hits:
• Buy and use a NOAA Weather Radio
• Discuss plan with family

During the storm:
• Take shelter immediately at a preplanned location
• Only call 911 if injury or damage has occurred

After the storm:
• Avoid damaged areas
• Check for injuries
• Call 911 only if you need emergency assistance

Remember:
• A tornado or thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for such occurrences.
• A tornado or thunderstorm warning means one has been sighted and cover should be taken immediately.

This information has been provided by the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the American Red Cross to recognize February as Severe Weather Awareness Month.

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