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Severe Weather Awareness
Week
March 25 - March 31
Are you prepared?
March 2007 by Deputy
Chief Thomas Lindberg
Did you know the
average warning lead time was just 18 minutes for all
severe weather events? And, in 2006, South/East Lower
Michigan’s severe weather season was marked by 173
warnings issued (the average is 137) and three
tornados?
In
preparation for the severe weather season, Oakland
County Emergency Response and Preparedness will be
testing the outdoor warning siren system the first
Saturday of each month, beginning March 3rd
through November 3rd. Each of these tests
will take place at 1 pm. A special test on Wednesday
March 28th at 11:30 am will be conducted in
recognition of Severe Weather Awareness Week.
When
sirens are activated, a three minute tone indicates a
Tornado has been sighted in the area or strongly
indicated on radar. Seek shelter and listen to the radio
or television for more information.
TORNADO WATCH
A
Tornado Watch is issued when conditions exist for the
development of a tornado. Watches are usually for areas
about two-thirds the size of Lower Michigan and are two
to six hours long. Watches give you time to plan and
prepare. Persons in or near a watch area should place
small objects inside (such as garbage cans and bicycles)
which, in the event of a tornado, could become deadly
missiles. Make sure the entire family is informed and
they know what to do if a tornado is sighted. Keep
children & pets under close supervision. Keep an eye on
the sky and listen for additional statements and
warnings.
TORNADO WARNING
The local weather service office issues a Tornado
Warning when a tornado has actually been sighted or is
strongly indicated by radar. Warnings cover the entire
county and are usually no longer than an hour and a
half. If a warning is issued,
seek shelter immediately.
Each year, many people are killed or seriously injured
by tornadoes despite advance warning. After receiving
the warning or observing threatening skies, it is
important to seek shelter before the storm arrives. It
could be the most important decision you will ever make.
- In Home – A
basement offers the greatest safety. If possible,
seek shelter under sturdy furniture. In a home
without a basement, take cover in the center of the
house on the lowest floor in a small room such as a
closet, bathroom or under sturdy furniture.
- In Mobile Homes
– Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable. When a
tornado watch or warning is issued, take shelter in
a building with a strong foundation. If shelter is
not available, lie in low-lying area a safe distance
away from the mobile homes. Use arms to protect head
and neck.
- Vehicles –
Never try to out drive a tornado in a car or truck.
Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift
up a car or truck and toss it through the air. Get
out of the car immediately and take shelter. If
there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car
and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the
vehicle. Use arms to protect head and neck.
- In Open Areas –
If possible, get into a sturdy building, or lie flat
in a ditch or depression. Use arms to protect head
and neck.
The 99
men and women of the Novi Police Department are
dedicated to protecting you in every way possible. In
the event of a Tornado disaster, we, or other members of
our Public Safety System (Fire, EMS, CERT – Citizens
Emergency Response Team), will be on scene, but cannot
reach everyone immediately. Your household needs to have
a plan and practice that plan. Emergency supplies are an
integral part of all emergency preparedness and should
include:
- Food
- Water
- First Aid Kit
- Tools and other
basic household supplies
- At least one
change of clothes and footwear per person in the
home.
- Special items
for persons with unique needs – babies, seniors and
illnesses
More
information can be obtained about Severe Weather
Awareness Week by visiting the Oakland County Emergency
Response and Preparedness
website.
If you
have questions please do not hesitate to contact The
Novi Police Department at (248) 348-7100 or visit our
website.
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