Go to the right source for severe weather info

Monday, June 9, 2014

It is one thing to have an emergency plan and stand ready to execute it in case strong storms develop. But, how do you get in the know when severe weather threatens?

Knowing the best options for getting a reliable read on conditions increases the chances of you and your family safely riding out potentially dangerous storms, said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension consumer and housing specialist.

“Thanks to technology, there are so many ways to track the weather these days. You just have to be smart about selecting credible sources that offer the most accurate details,” she said.

Perhaps not surprisingly, studies show local commercial television broadcasts are the most common way families learn about severe weather watches and warnings, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Commercial radio stations also are a popular and viable source of real-time weather information.

However, an equally reliable but far less used option for tracking severe weather is a battery-operated weather radio.

“Research shows only 5 percent to 10 percent of people own weather radios, but they are incredibly effective, especially in the overnight hours or when you are in a remote location,” said Peek. “In fact, a weather radio, along with extra batteries, should be an essential item in your emergency disaster kit.”

Beyond the more traditional sources of weather information, cell phones, smartphones, tablets and other devices also can be helpful in surveying the severe weather landscape. For instance, the National Weather Service (NWS) provides timely updates via its website (www.weather.gov), app and social media outlets.

Some local news stations also will post up-to-date weather information online and share details via various social media platforms.

Warning sirens are another source of critical weather information. They are designed to alert anyone outdoors that potentially hazardous weather is nearby.

“It is important to know when the sirens are activated in your area because each community’s policies can be different,” Peek said. “Take cover immediately if you hear the sirens and don’t try to outrun the storm.”

Finally, even with all the technology available, both NWS and social science research shows that people have taken shelter from dangerous weather after being warned by friends and family members.

“If you know of loved ones in the path of a storm, go ahead and reach out to them,” Peek said. “Maybe they know and maybe they don’t, but a call can personalize the threat to their safety and convince them to take precautions.”

For more information about preparing for an emergency or a disaster, contact your local county Extension office.