International Education > Archive > Category: Special Reports

2019 Spring Weather Safety

April 11, 2019

Spring weather is here. Spring weather can be very unpredictable. Severe weather can hit unexpectedly increasing the risk of injury or death. Tornadoes, floods, heavy rains, or hail storms can occur any moment. Be aware, plan and prepare for weather related emergencies.

When traveling abroad, learn how alerts for severe weather are sent out and enroll in appropriate notification systems to get them.

Please note the publication date of this post, and go to the direct sources linked for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.

Find below general tips and other useful resources on Spring weather Safety.

Tornadoes

  • Tornadoes are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees, and hurling objects through the air.
  • They can happen any time during spring and summer.
  • Every tornado should be seen as life-threatening.
  • If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Stay away from windows.
  • If you are in a car, drive and find a shelter, or abandon the car and seek shelter in a low lying area such as a ditch or ravine
  • Find more information on Tornado safety at National Weather Service (NWS) and CDC.

Thunderstorms

  • Thunderstorms cause most of the severe spring weather. They can bring lightning, tornadoes, and flooding. Whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, thunderstorms can occur.
  • Severe thunderstorms produce damaging wind, lightning, and large hail
  • Tree branches, debris or anything unsecure can become projectiles.
  • Take shelter in a sturdy structure away from windows.
  • Do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums. Taking shelter in sheds, storage facilities, and under trees is not safe.
  • A vehicle is safer than being outside.
  • Learn more about what to do before, during, and after Thunderstorm from NWS so you can minimize your risk of injury and increase your chances of survival.

Lightning

  • Thunderstorms produce lightning.
  • Lightning kills an average of 47 people in the United States every year.
  • Take shelter inside a sturdy structure.
  • A hard-topped vehicle is also a safe location.
  • Follow the tips to keep yourself safe from Lightning Safety from NWS and CDC.

Rains and Roads

  • Rain can happen quickly turning the conditions on roads dangerous.
  • Drive slowly when raining as roads can become slippery and visibility might get impaired.
  • Turn on your hazard lights and leave some extra room behind the car in front of you so it helps when a sudden stop is necessary.
  • Flying debris and on the road is dangerous, watch out for it.

Flooding

  • Flooding can be caused by snow melt, ice jams, and heavy rain.
  • More than half of all flood fatalities are vehicle-related.
  • Don’t try to cross, get into, or go through flooded roadways.  It only takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car and 6 inches of rushing water to knock down a person and sweep them away. Turn around, don’t drown!
  • Check the forecast and be ready to take action if a flood warning is issued. Seek higher grounds if you are in a flood prone area. In case of evacuation orders, just leave.
  • Learn more about Flood safety Tips and Resources from NWS and CDC

Heat

  • Heat and humidity take a toll on the body.
  • Know the signs of heat illness and know about health dangers of heat and learn how to prevent heat related illness.
  • Reschedule outdoor work and strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day.
  • Sunburn and heat illness can be avoided.
  • Apply and reapply sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn.
  • Learn more about heat safety from NWS and from CDC.

Sources:

Please note the publication date of this post, and go to the direct sources linked for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.