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May 19, 2021
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Be prepared! It’s tornado season in Indiana IN.GOV - Each year, Indiana Department of Health and Safety (IDHS) collaborates with the National Weather Service (NWS) during Severe Weather Preparedness Week to remind and educate Hoosiers about seasonal severe weather threats and how to effectively prepare for them. This year, Hoosiers can expect more active spring severe weather due to the climate conditions caused by the La Niña winter. “Severe weather statistics show that coming out of a La Niña winter often leads to more active severe weather spring patterns,” said Jason Puma, senior meteorologist with the NWS Indianapolis. “This means there is a higher chance of Indiana experiencing tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flooding.” Identifying multiple methods to receive severe weather warnings, discussing severe weather safety plans with
loved ones, and creating a disaster kit are all things individuals can do to prepare for severe weather conditions. In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide, resulting in 80 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries. Protecting Hoosiers since 2015, the IDHS Safe Room Program has helped residents and communities statewide install hardened structures specifically designed to provide "near-absolute protection" in extreme weather events, like tornadoes.
Safe rooms provide a shield of protection, and studies demonstrate that they can survive winds as high as 250 miles per hour. Built above or below ground level, safe rooms are customizable. They can be small enough for a family to seek shelter or large enough for dozens of school students and staff to hunker down. Terms to know - A variety of weather terms are used during natural disasters such as tornadoes, and while they may sound similar, there is an important difference among them. Tornado Watch: Conditions for a tornado is favorable. Tornado Warning: A tornado is reported, or the weather radar indicates one could develop soon. Before a tornado, Meteorologists can predict these violent forces of nature, but even with warning tornados can still be devastating. The best protection against
them is by being prepared. Make sure preparedness kits are portable for easy transport if evacuation is necessary. Preparedness kits should be tailored to household needs. Understand the risk of tornadoes in local areas and recognize the warning signs that indicate a tornado could or is forming. Tornados can occur at any time, and often happen at night. Conduct household tornado drills at various times during the day, so everyone is prepared for all eventualities. Identify safe places to shelter. For optimal protection, choose basements, inner rooms, and storm cellars away from doors, windows, and outer walls. Review and practice severe weather plans created by employers. If applicable, understand severe weather plans of local schools. Purchase and configure an See Tornado, Page 2
New Miami County YMCA on schedule for grand opening in December 2021More photos on Page 2
Vol. 2, No. 13
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