It’s that time again…tornado season! And in North Texas, we all know just how vigilant we have to be to keep our families safe during dangerous weather. Below are some tips, best practices, and useful items to invest in so your home and family are prepared for severe Dallas weather when necessary.
Tornado Watch vs. Warning
First, you have probably heard both terms used on the news; what exactly do they mean?
A tornado watch is issued when a tornado is possible in the watch area. It usually covers a large area of land and multiple counties. It basically means that the current weather conditions favor creating thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes in that location.
A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted and you need to take cover. An official tornado warning will be issued by the National Weather Service forecast office HERE.
Severe Weather Alerts
Now that a tornado watch or warning has been issued…how do you keep updated? Below are several ways to learn of impending weather and to stay informed during the storm.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
Ok yes, these ear-splitting alerts on your smartphone can be annoying; however, they are incredibly useful, as long as you have them turned on! It might behoove all of us to have these turned on during the spring.
NOAA Alerts
Without getting too dense, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is the organization that broadcasts severe weather alerts on the weather radio (below), using MHz frequency (it is not the standard AM/FM). Broadcast frequencies can be found HERE, but the correct frequency for our area (Dallas) is 162.400.
Weather Radio
I can’t stress enough how vital having a weather radio is! They range in price and features, so you can decide exactly what you’ll need. I do suggest investing in one with a digital clock, some sort of light source (built-in flashlight or lantern), and NOAA-compatible service. There are also models that can charge a phone using a USB cable, recharge with a manual crank, plus several other features.
News on TV and AM/FM Radio
If the sky starts looking green, it’s best to turn on the TV at home or the radio if you’re driving. Most regular programming will be interrupted if a weather alert has been issued. WBAP 820 AM is our designated Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio station!
Outdoor Warning System
Many cities utilize what are commonly referred to as “tornado sirens” which help to alert residents of severe thunderstorms or tornado warnings.
If You Need to Take Cover
If a tornado warning has been issued, it is time to seek shelter immediately. Since homes in Texas do not have basements, the safest place in your home to go is somewhere on the first floor, towards the center of the structure, avoiding windows.
If you have time, pull the mattresses off the beds and use them as an added layer of protection. If sheltering in a bathroom or hallway, close all the doors and lean the mattresses against the walls blocking the doors. You can also lean the mattresses together like you’re making a tent.
And lastly, if your kids have bike helmets in the garage, grab them if convenient. It might seem silly and unnecessary to wear a helmet while a mattress is leaning over you, but it could be life saving.
Useful Items for your Emergency Kit
Besides a weather radio, here are the minimum essentials that every household needs readily available in case of severe weather or other dangerous situation.
Battery-powered flashlights
I suggest having a flashlight per person, with at least one set of extra batteries.
Batteries
Stock up on AA and AAA now, so you won’t be left scrambling when in need.
Bottled water
A gallon per person per day is suggested, but even just an unopened case of water bottles is better than nothing.
Non-perishable food
Granola bars, breakfast biscuits, Goldfish…basically all the things your kids want to eat as dinner every night, need to be packed away in your emergency kit.
Extra glasses or contacts
It might seem wasteful to include such expensive items in a kit that “never gets used,” but think of extra contacts and glasses like insurance. You hope to rarely if ever use it, but you’re glad to have it when you need it.
Items for Babies
Extra formula. Enough water for formula. Baby bottles. Diapers. Wipes. Diaper cream.
More Essentials:
- Matches
- Candles
- Blankets
- Change of clothes per family member
- Garbage bags for trash and sanitation
- Toilet paper
- Wet wipes
- Tissues
- First Aid kit
- Basic toiletries
- Hand sanitizer
- Feminine products
- Pet food and supplies
- External battery charger and charging cord
- Copy of important personal documents
{Read More: My Texas Weather Survival Guide}
I am not a meteorologist, just a lifelong Texan who’s been through enough legitimate tornado warnings and scary weather events to know that this information can save a life. If you do one thing after reading this article, make it investing in a weather radio!
