Experts share lifesaving tips amid Severe Weather Awareness Week
JACKSON, Tenn. — Don’t weather the storms alone — we are here to help.
This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week.
Experts say our state experiences some of the worst weather during this time of the year.
“In Tennessee we’re in what we might call the new tornado alley,” Brad Greer, CEO of DrySee.
According to the National Weather Service, in Madison County alone there were 34 tornadoes reported since 1950.
Experts say make sure to have you safe spaces identified.
“And we really want people to be prepared as we head into our typical spring severe weather season. Know what your going to do at home, know what you’re going to do at work,” said Dr. Ian Giammanco, lead research meteorologist.
The NWS is planning a series of virtual training courses throughout the week, and Monday the focus is on flooding and flash floods.
“Looking for any little gap and cracks around doors and windows that you may see from the inside, maybe during the winter you notice some excess condensation around a window,” Dr. Giammanco said. “That’s a good indicator that it might has a little bit of a gap in it’s sealant.”
They suggest to never venture into high water, especially in a vehicle.
It’s also recommended to go indoors when thunder roars. Lightning can reach temperatures up to 50,000 degrees.
“In 2023, we set a record amount of dollar losses from severe thunderstorms. We were right at about the $60 billion mark — yes, that’s a billion with a “B” in damage that came from severe thunderstorms during last year,” Dr. Giammanco added.
And it’s always important to have a emergency supplies or a first aid kit inside of your home and vehicle.
Experts also say to snap pictures of the inside of your home and save them to a computer or the cloud.
“Because if you have to file a claim and you have some interior damage from storm, and heaven forbid it’s the worst day and you have major damage you can make that claim process to go just a little bit smoother by having that good well documented inventory of all your valuables,” Giammanco said.
The National Weather Service will issue a statewide tornado drill, including a NOAA weather radio test on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.
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