Tornadoes

Good morning folks...if you woke up early like I did - and if you turned on the local news - you more than likely saw some unfortunate and tragic news about a new wave of tornadoes that spun their way through Dixie yesterday. Those same tornadoes are beelining for North Carolina, too...again.

As many of you know, I'm originally from Alabama. The 120 some odd people that have died as a result of this latest outbreak in my old home state is certainly heartbreaking. Tuscaloosa, home of arch-rival University if Alabama, suffered devastation of monumental proportions. Only two weeks ago, my new home state of North Carolina saw disaster and tragedy unmatched until yesterday. The poor souls of Bertie County, Onslow County, and Wake County will only begin their cleanup by the time this next wave comes through. Meteorologists are expecting the outbreak to be severe, but not as bad as two weeks ago. Here's hoping the weatherman is actually correct for the first time. The meteorologist is the only person that can come to work, predict incorrectly, and still be regaled as a genius.

Aside from what has happened, it's time to focus on tornado safety...growing up in Alabama, tornadoes were more common than snow falls. So we were always prepared. My parents even have a storm shelter...the shelter is a sunken concrete building - so it's pretty solid. It is also out in the forest, in a low-lying place. Every year, my mom take sit upon herself to go and run out the snakes, mice, and squirrels, so that we aren't scared to run in...

Nevertheless, in preparation for a tornado, folks must understand that you cannot prepare the day or hours before. This must take place well before tornado season, preferably in good weather. Here are some things to consider:

Make a Tornado Safety Kit: This would include things like a battery powered flashlight, bottles water, and first aid kit, and some non-perishable snacks. Store this kit in a readily available place, but hide it well enough to keep folks from eating the beef jerky. Also - remember to have some gloves and sturdy shoes available, too.

Establish a Safety Zone: The Safety Zone is a place where a person or family can retreat to just as the area is placed under a tornado warning. For folks living in sturdy homes, an interior hallway, bathroom, or bedroom is great place, as long as there are no large windows around. Keep in mind, that it is debris that often injures people, so places where there are lots of picture frames, books, or tolls are not the best places. Mobile homes are especially susceptible to tornado damage. If you live in a mobile home park, speak to the landlord to determine where residents should retreat to during a storm. If you are a t a hotel, shopping mall, or conference center, management of these locations should be prepared to handle such emergencies. While tornado likelihood can be predicted, actual tornado locations cannot...so try to limit travel, if possible, when a severe weather outbreak is predicted.

Concerning homes...it is a recommended to have written instructions on how to shutdown a home's utilities. This can be imperative if a family has to cleanup the area afterward.

So today, as these storms bear down on our area in eastern NC, be prepared and hopeful. Be safe.

Enjoy the day...