Released: June 21, 2004

Reduce Risks from Storms

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Stormy weather may prompt even the dog to crawl into the bathtub or under the kitchen table and a chuckle or two from his or her owner.

“In reality, though, learning how to protect yourself during storm watches and warnings can be advisable for everyone,” said Mary Knapp, Kansas state climatologist who is based at Kansas State University Research and Extension in Manhattan and offered these tips:

* Think through how you will respond to a severe weather watch, which means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop, and what additional actions should be taken when a warning, which means that severe weather is imminent, is issued.

Having a plan in place can reduce the time needed to respond and reassure family members, said Knapp, who suggested a basement, closet in the center of the house or designated neighborhood storm shelter as possible shelter choices.

* Stock a storm shelter, basket or box with emergency supplies such as:

- NOAA weather radio with extra batteries;

- Flashlight with working batteries;

- Cell phone, if available;

- Bottled water or juices;

- Shelf-stable snacks (cereal bars, crackers, trail mix, dried fruit or snack kits);

- Medications, such as an asthma inhaler;

- Wallet or purse with identification;

- Change of clothes;

- Blankets or pillows; and

- Games.

“Games? That’s right,” said Knapp. “Games often can be played in low light such as that in a storm shelter. They are interactive and can help pass the time and relieve anxiety.”

* Rotate shelter supplies.

“One way to make children less fearful in storms is to ask their help in stocking and re-stocking the family shelter area or kit. Play a game and eat up emergency foods before they become outdated, then ask children to help choose new foods to replace them,” Knapp said.

* Having a plan in place – knowing what to do and where to go – reduces risks, she said.

“Practice how you or your family will respond to a storm watch or warning. Talk with your child about what he or she will do if a storm strikes when parents are away or if they are away – at school or a friend’s house, for example. If separated, plan how to reestablish communication or where to meet after a weather warning is cancelled,” Knapp said.

For more information on weather, emergency preparedness, and personal safety, check K-State Research and Extension’s website: www.oznet.ksu.edu .

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson
nancyp@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News