Spring weather in the Midwest can be unpredictable, bringing severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding. Stay safe with these five essential tips:
- Stay Weather Aware – Make checking the forecast part of your daily routine, especially during storm season. Pay attention to watches and warnings so you’re never caught off guard.
- Have Multiple Alert Sources – Don’t rely on just one way to get weather updates. Use a combination of local news and radio, NOAA weather radio, and emergency text alerts (such as Smart911).
- Know Your Shelter Plan – Whether you’re at headquarters or on a job site, have a plan in place for severe weather. Identify the safest shelter locations and make sure your team knows where to go if a storm hits.
- Follow NWS Safety Guidelines – Never take shelter under overpasses. If indoors, go to the most central room or underground. If you’re caught in a vehicle, try to find a sturdy shelter. If none is available, a low-lying ditch is a last resort. Remember “DUCK” from the National Weather Service:
Down to the lowest level
Under something sturdy
Cover your head
Keep in the shelter until the storm has passed
5. Flooding is More Deadly Than Tornadoes – While tornadoes grab the headlines, floods are much deadlier (extreme heat is the deadliest weather phenomenon, but that’s for another safety bulletin!). Never attempt to drive through flooded roads—turn around, don’t drown.
Stay alert, stay informed, and stay safe!