IT may seem a little early in teh year for this, since traditionaly tornado season doesnt start for another 2 months, however, as we recently have seen, they can strike at anytime of the year......so with that in mind,
here is some info cut and pasted from the NWS.
Hope it is usefull and helps keep everyoen aroudn here safe thru this up-coming spring weather season!

from the NWS 2008 Weather Awareness Info packet:
When it comes to tornado safety, there is not any fool proof measure that can guarantee your
safety. However, by following the tips listed below, your chances of survival are greatly
increased.
Before a tornado strikes:
1. Look for approaching storms which:
a. May include a dark greenish tint
b. Contain large hail
c. Produce a loud roaring noise of rushing
wind
2. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio for the latest
updates
Where to go when a tornado warning has been issued for
your area:
1. Indoors:
a. Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a
safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no
basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet,
interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put
as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy
table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
2. In a vehicle:
a. Your 1st option might be driving away from the danger. Notice the direction
of movement of the tornado and drive at a right angle to a shelter. Remember
to drive at a right angle, never try to outrun the tornado.
b. Otherwise, get out of your vehicle and Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression
and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
c. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
3. In a trailer or mobile home:
a. Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or
a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from
tornadoes.
If all else fails remember the word DUCK:
Down to the lowest level
Under something sturdy
Cover your head
Keep in shelter until the storm passes

 

Lightning - The Underrated Killer
In the United States, there are an estimated 25 million lightning flashes each year. During the
past 30 years, lightning killed an average of 62 people per year. This ties the average of 62
deaths per year caused by tornadoes. Yet, because lightning usually claims only one or two
victims at a time and does not cause mass destruction of property, it is underrated as a risk.
While documented lightning injuries in the United States average about 300 per year,
undocumented injuries are likely much higher.
• Watch for Developing Thunderstorms: Thunderstorms are most likely to develop on
spring or summer days, but can occur year round. As the sun heats the air, pockets of
warmer air start to rise and cumulus clouds form. Continued heating can cause these
clouds to grow vertically into towering cumulus clouds, often the first sign of a
developing thunderstorm.
• An Approaching Thunderstorm: When to Seek Safe Shelter: Lightning can strike as
far as 10 miles from an area where it is raining. That's about the distance you can hear
thunder. If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance. Seek safe shelter
immediately.
• Outdoor Activities: Minimize the Risk of Being Struck: Most lightning deaths and
injuries occur in the summer. Where
organized outdoor sports activities take
place, coaches, camp counselors and other
adults must stop activities at the first roar of
thunder to ensure everyone time to get a
large building or enclosed vehicle. Leaders
of outdoors events should have a written
plan that all staff are aware of and enforce.
• Indoor Activities: Things to Avoid: If
you are inside a building, stay off corded
phones, computers and other electrical
equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity. Stay away from pools, indoor or
outdoor, tubs, showers and other plumbing. Buy surge suppressors for key equipment.
Install ground fault protectors on circuits near water or outdoors. When inside, wait 30
minutes after the last strike, before going out again.
• Helping a Lightning Strike Victim: If a person is struck by lightning, call 911 and get
medical care immediately. Cardiac arrest and irregularities, burns, and nerve damage are
common in cases where people are struck by lightning. However, with proper treatment,
including CPR if necessary, most victims survive a lightning strike. You are in no danger
helping a lightning victim. The charge will not affect you.
• Summary: Lightning is Dangerous! With common sense, you can greatly increase your
safety and the safety of those you are with. At the first clap of thunder, go to a large
building or fully enclosed vehicle and wait 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder to go
back outside.
When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

 

Did you know that floods, especially flash foods, kill more people each year than
any other weather phenomenon? And do you know why? Well, the main reason is
that people underestimate the force and power of water. As little as six inches of
fast moving water can sweep you off your feet and 18 to 24 inches of water is
enough to float a car and carry it away. If you see a road barrier across a flooded
roadway, then “Turn Around. Don’t Drown!” This is the National Weather
Service’s motto. We want you to remember this if you encounter a situation where
you see water covering a roadway. You will not know the depth of the water or
know the condition of the road under the water. Did you also know that about 60
percent of all flood deaths result from people trying to cross flooded roads in
vehicles when the moving water sweeps them away? So Turn Around. Don’t
Drown! Don’t become one of the statistics.
Helpful safety rules to adhere to:
When heavy rains threaten, monitor NOAA Weather Radio or favorite news source
for weather information. If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Leave areas
subject to flooding, such as dips, low spots and
underpasses. Avoid areas already flooded. Do not attempt
to cross flowing streams. Never drive through flooded
roadways. Turn Around. Don’t Drown. If your vehicle is
suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and
seek higher ground. Look for a floatation device. Be
especially cautious at night when it is harder to see flood
dangers.
Please report flooding to your local authorities or The National Weather Service.
Finally, know when you are at risk. Keep abreast of the latest weather watches and
warnings. Let caution and good sense be your guides. Remember, Turn Around. Don’t Drown!

 

>>>BUmp<<<<
spring time in KS is Tornado Season....never hurts to be ready..

 

Guess it's time for me to turn in some 'Spring Weather Tips' to the TV station again!

chaikwa.

 

For everybody's safety, I just posted this in the breakroom.

from the NWS 2008 Weather Awareness Info packet:
When it comes to bathroom safety, there is not any fool proof measure that can guarantee your safety. However, by following the tips listed below, your chances of survival are greatly increased.
Before entering the latrine after the janitor strikes:

1. Look for approaching storms which:
a. May include a dark greenish tint
b. Contain large hail
c. Produce a loud roaring noise of rushing
wind
2. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio for the latest
updates
Where to go when a tornado warning has been issued for
your area:
1. Indoors:
a. Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a
safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no
basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet,
interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put
as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy
table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
2. In a vehicle:
a. Your 1st option might be driving away from the danger. Notice the direction
of movement of the tornado and drive at a right angle to a shelter. Remember
to drive at a right angle, never try to outrun the tornado.
b. Otherwise, get out of your vehicle and Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression
and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
c. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
3. In a trailer or mobile home:
a. Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or
a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from
tornadoes.
If all else fails remember the word DUCK:
Down to the lowest level
Under something sturdy
Cover your head
Keep in shelter until the storm passes

 

Best thing you can buy (IMHO) is a weather radio with SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) technology. You program it with a 6 digit code for the area you are in. Check here for the codes of your area: http://www.weather.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm#sametable
Once at that link, go to your state and find the county/counties you want to receive warnings etc for.

You can program your radio so that it only turns on when a warning or watch is active in the area you have programmed. This means you don't have to listen to the NOAA weather 24/7

The other thing I keep in my emergency prep. kit is a flashlight and a bottle of JD Single Barrel,
~Rob