Staying ahead of the storm

For those of you excited that spring is approaching, remember what also comes with it — severe weather and tornado season.

According to Allan Mathias, Clarke County environmental services, Severe Weather Awareness Week is planned March 23 to the 27.

During that week, the statewide tornado drill is planned Wednesday, March 25. According to the National Weather Service’s website, the tornado drill is scheduled approximately 10 a.m. that day.

“This is a good time to check out your plans and test to see if you can hear the siren,” Mathias said.

Clarke County will not have spotter training this year — this is the county’s “off year.”

Staying safe

Severe weather season is a great time to purchase a weather radio for a home or camper. They are available at many retail outlets. If a person already has one, this is a reminder to change the battery if it has a battery back-up.

This is also an important time to discuss with family members what to do in case of a tornado or thunderstorm. This means to have an emergency plan ready.

“Many people look up at the sky and don’t seek shelter,” Mathias said. “That may work most of the time, but you don’t know when that one time is going to come.”

Mobile homes don’t offer any protection when it comes to severe weather and tornadoes. The best place to be during a tornado is an underground shelter, basement or safe room.

Away from windows

Mathias said it’s necessary to take shelter and stay somewhere far away from windows.

This is often a basement or the most interior room in a house people can get to that doesn’t have windows, such as a bathroom or closet.

In case of an emergency, people should have flashlights, first-aid kits, weather radios, water, food and cellphones available to them.

Prepare

With the right atmospheric conditions, tornadoes can form any time day or night. The best line of defense against severe weather is to be smart and prepared.

Mathias said to always remind family members and loved ones where you’ll be when a storm arises.

“They may have debris covering them up, and if they don’t tell anybody, nobody’s going to know where they’re at,” he said.