Post by SKYSUMMIT on Feb 3, 2009 13:49:13 GMT -6
Mississippi and Louisiana
Severe Weather Awareness Week
February 9 - February 13, 2009
Severe Weather Awareness Week
February 9 - February 13, 2009
www.srh.noaa.gov/lix/swaw/swaw09.htm
Severe Weather Awareness Week Information
Tornadoes, damaging thunderstorm winds, large hail, and flash floods can occur at any time of the year. However, late winter and spring usually bring the greatest chance of these severe weather events occurring in Louisiana and southern Mississippi.
The week beginning on February 9th has been designated as Severe Weather Awareness Week in both Louisiana and Mississippi. The goal of the awareness week is to call attention to the threats posed by these weather hazards and to review severe weather safety rules in an attempt to reduce the loss of life and injury. Post-storm interviews with survivors of severe weather events prove that preventative safety measures greatly enhance the chance of survival.
Now is the time to develop a severe weather safety plan. A successful plan should include:
* Knowledge of terminology such as watches and warnings
* Knowledge of safety rules to follow when severe weather strikes
* A reliable method of receiving emergency information
* Review and testing of the plan.
Emergency managers, schools, government agencies, private businesses, and local citizens are encouraged to review their severe weather safety plans and conduct drills as appropriate. On Wednesday morning, February 11th, at approximately 9:15 AM, the National Weather Service offices serving Louisiana and Mississippi will issue a Tornado Test Warning on the NOAA Weather Radios. This will allow groups and individuals to test their NOAA weather radios and their severe weather safety plans. With respect to the EAS system, the Tornado Test Warning will be issued under the normal Routine Weekly Test code.
NOAA Weather Radio
NOAA Weather Radio is a vital communication link in your severe weather safety plan. NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts continuous weather information. When severe weather watches and warnings are issued, most NOAA Weather Radios are automatically alerted and turned on so that you are alerted about a potential severe weather situation. Some receivers can be programmed specifically for the parish or county where you live. A weather radio is especially helpful in our area as much of the severe weather in the southern states occurs at night when most people are sleeping. If severe weather is expected overnight, NOAA Weather Radios can be set in the "stand-by" mode before going to bed. When a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch or Warning is issued, the weather radio will automatically alert and broadcast the warning. Six transmitters serve southeast Louisiana and southwest and coastal Mississippi. Click here for additional information on NOAA Weather Radio.
