Navigating Texas Tornado Season: Preparation and Safety for Texas Communities
Synopsis
The recent tornadoes across Texas have provided us all with a crucial reminder of the importance of preparedness for all Texas apartment owners and managers, and residents alike.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Storm Prediction Center, the United States has documented at least 904 tornadoes up to this point in the year, trending quickly already at this time of year when compared to the average annual of 1200 total. When looking at Texas alone, Texas averages 136 tornadoes, and currently to date Texas has already seen more than half, with 73 total tornadoes to date.
Tornado alerts are issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) to alert people about imminent tornadoes. Taking these warnings seriously and acting swiftly can save lives during severe weather events.
There are two main types of tornado warnings, tornado watch and tornado warning.
- Tornado Watch: A watch means that weather conditions are favorable for tornado formation in an area and can typically cover a large geographical area and can last for several hours. It serves as an alert for residents of the area to stay vigilant and be prepared to take action if necessary.
- Tornado Warning: A warning issued means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. It also means that a tornado is imminent or occurring and poses a direct threat to life and property. When a tornado warning is issued, individuals should seek shelter immediately in a safe place, such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
While the entirety of Texas is not in Tornado Alley, a region in the central United States known for its frequent and intense tornado activity, Texas still ranks top when considering states with the most active tornado states.
The recent events of an outbreak of Texas tornados including during the work week and rush hour in metro Houston, Forney a suburb of Dallas, Temple and many more across the state have put communities across the state on alert. It’s not just a small town issue and we must all remain vigilant and be prepared regardless of location and time of day.
How do we prepare for the sporadic nature of Tornadoes in Texas? Here are 5 tips to share to keep your communities vigilant during the season:
- Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and warnings from reliable sources such as the National Weather Service to stay updated on tornado threats.
- Identify Safe Shelter: Determine and practice going to the safest area of your home during a tornado, such as a basement, storm cellar, or interior room on the lowest level without windows.
- Create an Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies including water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, and any necessary medications.
- Develop a Communication Plan: Establish a communication plan including designated meeting places and emergency contact information.
- Stay Prepared Year-Round: Keep your emergency kit stocked and regularly review your tornado safety plan to ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of a tornado.
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