RANDY OWENS
Blogger
As springtime rolls around again on the Great Plains we all turn our eyes to the sky in expectation of severe weather. This can be a scary time of the year for people who are not used to it, especially for those students that are not from this part of the world. This can be compounded by not knowing what to do or where to go. Tornados, large hail, strong lightning and heavy rains are part of the threat that Oklahoma faces every year during the spring and being prepared and knowing what to expect and where to go can save your life.
So I’ll begin with a few basic dos and don’ts as to what to do and where to go.
- When the skies are threatening stay informed by checking the weather reports.
- Make sure you know what the warning signs are of severe weather are.
- Find out beforehand where the safe places to shelter are located on campus and in your dorms. (If you don’t know where to shelter ask your dorm parents or floor leaders).
- When you have to shelter take your identification and, if you have it, a storm safety kit to your shelter area. (A storm safety kit should be a flashlight, some water and maybe something to snack on).
- Never go outside during the storm. You could be hit by lightning or struck by large hail or flying debris.
- Remain calm and follow the instructions given by authorities.
If you follow these simple directions the severe weather season will be a safe one for you, and far less frightening. So when you go home you will be able to say you survived Tornado Alley.