Get ready for severe weather

April 04, 2007 11:51 am

— Did your workplace or school’s in-house tornado drill device sound this morning? If the answer is yes, then you took part in the statewide tornado drill carried out as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa.
It never hurts to be prepared.
According to the National Weather Service, 1,180 tornadoes have touched down in Iowa over the past 25 years. On average, Iowa sees 47 twisters per year although in 2004, the state experienced a record 120 tornadoes. May and June are the most likely months for tornadoes, but tornadoes can strike any month of the year in Iowa.
While today’s drill qualifies as one of two mandatory drills required each year of schools, nursing homes and hospitals, local business owners also are being encouraged at this time to review their tornado plan because knowing what to do, in advance, can help prevent unnecessary panic and confusion when severe weather does strike.
We have done that at the Clinton Herald and have had ongoing tornado drills in recent months to ensure our employees are safe.
Speaking of staying safe, the sound of a siren shouldn’t be your first hint that bad weather is approaching. Pay attention to the sky’s colors — a yellowish tint is an indicator of severe weather — and keep an ear to local TV and radio weather reports.
Also remember that 20-plus sirens in Clinton County are designed to warn those who may be outside at the time of impending severe weather and people inside their homes may not be able to hear the sirens. Buy a weather radio for use as well — such a radio is a great warning tool if you are indoors.
And have an emergency kit handy — it will be needed should disaster strike.
The possibility of a tornado is a real one in the Midwest — we are hoping area residents will be reminded by the week’s events to get prepared should one strike here.