Radical summer weather
Bob 08-12-2008
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Taken from work of Mr. Dave Duncan Safetyxchange.org

Summertime isn't always what it's cracked up to be. The weather can be extreme and disruptive. It's easier for you and your workers to enjoy these lazy days of summer when you know you're ready for even the wildest weather forecast.

Hailstorms

You've seen or heard what hailstones can do to cars and trucks. Imagine what they could do to your pets.

Keep these tips in mind when a hailstorm comes pelting at your door:

  • Ensure pets and livestock have adequate shelter;
  • If caught outdoors, reduce injury by crouching down and protecting your head and neck as much as possible; and
  • If it is safe to do so, move cars, equipment and machinery to shelter to prevent costly damage.

Tornadoes

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, approximately 1,000 storms are reported each year in the United States. And some tornadoes do occur without a tornado warning. Here are five signs of a tornado that you can watch for and five tips to keep your family safe in the event of a tornado:

Five Signs of a Tornado

  1. Strong rotation in a cloud base;
  2. Whirling dust or debris on the ground, beneath a cloud base;
  3. Heavy precipitation followed by either calm or an intense wind shift;
  4. Loud and continuous roar, which, unlike thunder, doesn't fade in a few seconds;
  5. At night, small and bright flashes at ground level instead of in the clouds. These could be power lines being snapped by a strong wind.

Five Tornado Safety Tips

  1. Get to the basement, lower floor, under a stairwell or into an interior room.
  2. Avoid windows.
  3. If possible, try to position yourself so that you are not below heavy objects (appliances, piano, etc.) on a floor above you. These objects might fall through a weakened floor.
  4. Use a blanket, sleeping bag or mattress to protect yourself from flying debris.
  5. If you're driving, safely park your car and get to a building. If you can't get to a building, lie flat and face down in low ground and stay far from cars or trees.

Conclusion

While people can't control the weather, they can do much to avoid becoming victims of it. Don't cast your fate to the wind. Have a plan!