SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK 2013

April 10th, 2013 - The week of April 15-19th, 2013 is designated Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week, and the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management is announcing their participation in the campaign which is sponsored by the National Weather Service and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Division of Homeland Security Emergency Management. Each day of the week will feature a specific hazard or safety topic to allow our citizens a chance to familiarize themselves with the hazards and safety threats the summer season brings with it.

Monday, April 15th: Alerts and Warnings. During the severe weather season a number of different advisories, watches, and warnings may be issued by the National Weather Service. Remember watches mean conditions are favorable for the development of the specified hazard, and warnings mean the hazard is occurring, will occur, or is likely to occur. A NOAA Weather Radio or media source with Emergency Alert System preemption is the timeliest source for warning information.

Tuesday, April 16th: Severe Weather, Lighting, and Hail. Severe weather can come in a variety of different forms including strong winds, lighting, and hail. While tornadoes often have the most destructive winds, they normally have concentrated areas of severe destruction, but as was evident on July 2nd and 4th, 2012 across Beltrami County, straight-line winds can cause widespread damage across a much larger area. Lightning can strike, even when it’s not raining. Hail causes around $1 Billion in damage annually in the United States, and can fall over 100mph.

Wednesday, April 17th: Flooding and Flash Floods. Thunderstorms can produce very heavy rainfall in a short period of time resulting in flooding and flash flooding. Nearly 200 lives are lost each year in the United States due to flooding, 75% of flash flood deaths occur at night, and half of them died in vehicles. Do not drive through flooded roadways, as little as 12 inches of flowing water can float cars. Remember the slogan, “Turn Around… Don’t Drown…”

Thursday, April 18th: Tornado Drill Day. Two simulated Tornado Warnings will be issued to allow schools, residences, and work places an opportunity to develop a severe weather/tornado response plan and practice that plan. The simulated Tornado Warnings will be issued at 1:45pm and again at 6:55pm, to allow second shift workers and families an opportunity to participate in a drill. Outdoor warning sirens will be sounded for both drills. Outdoor warning sirens are sounded and CodeRED is utilized for Tornado Warnings, tornado sightings confirmed by Skwarn Spotters, and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings when damaging winds over 70mph are expected. Sirens and CodeRED will not be utilized for every warning, only those meeting the threshold above. CodeRED will not be utilized during these drills. Listen for the expiration in the warning statement, as no all clear signal will be transmitted.

Friday, April 19th: Extreme Heat. Heat disorders develop when the body loses the ability to cool itself. Cool down, drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages, and avoid excessive activity during extreme heat. Remember not to leave children and pets in vehicles, as vehicles can warm to over 130 degrees in a matter of minutes on sunny days. Heat injuries are emergencies, and you should notify 911 immediately. Remove the victim from the heat source and cool them, but don’t cool too rapidly.

-Christopher Muller, Emergency Management Assistant Director

Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office