Severe Weather Safety Tips

Public Service Announcement
February 22^nd through February 28^th has been designated as Severe Weather Awareness Week by the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

Practice Tornado Warning Drill
The National Weather Service in San Angelo will transmit a Test Tornado Warning through the Emergency Alert System on Thursday, February 26^th at 9:30 AM. (See the flyer here.) A cancellation statement will be issued at around 9:45 AM. The purpose of this warning is to test the entire warning system and give West Central Texans an opportunity to practice their tornado warning drill procedures. For more information about the practice Tornado Warning drill, please contact Hector Guerrero at 325-944-0526 ext 223.

Flash Flooding kills more motorists and rescue workers each year across the U.S. and West Central Texas when motorists take that chance to cross a flooded road. In addition, our children who play near flood waters are at risk from flash flooding. Remember whether you are on foot or in your vehicle, the National Weather Service urges you to "Turn Around, Don't Drown."

Tornadoes can strike your area any time of day or night. You should have a way to receive a warning whether at work, home, church, outside or in your car because many deaths have occurred because tornado victims had no means of receiving a warning. Recent statistics prove that people in manufactured homes are at most risk from tornadoes. Approximately 8% of all US residents lived in mobile homes. From the period 1985-2002, approximately 49% of all tornado deaths occurred in mobile homes. (American Meteorological Society)

NOAA Weather Radio All-Hazards functions like a smoke detector and warns you anywhere and anytime. This is a special device that will automatically alert you of tornadoes, flash floods, severe thunderstorms and civil emergencies while you are away from your favorite radio or TV station. You can buy a NOAA Weather Radio All-Hazards receiver at most stores that sell electronics. We hope that you will find this information helpful. Additional information is located at the following websites:

Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Management
www.redcross.org
'Turn Around, Don't Drown'

Help us prepare our fellow citizens from the hazards associated with severe weather. Please feel free to contact Hector Guerrero at 325-944-9445 to set up an interview for your newspaper, radio or TV show. Your participation is greatly appreciated!