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Weather Alerts: Your Guide to Staying Safe During Severe Weather
Weather alerts are critical public safety notifications issued by meteorological agencies to warn people about potentially dangerous weather conditions. These alerts can mean the difference between safety and peril during severe weather events.
Types of Weather Alerts
Watches
A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. It's an early warning that you should stay alert and be prepared to take action. Weather watches typically cover large geographic areas and are issued hours before the expected event.
Warnings
A warning indicates that severe weather is occurring or is imminent in your area. This is when you should take immediate protective action. Warnings are more urgent than watches and cover smaller, more specific areas.
Advisories
An advisory is issued for less severe weather conditions that may still cause significant inconvenience or pose risks if proper precautions aren't taken.
Common Weather Alert Categories
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts
- Watch: Conditions are right for severe thunderstorms
- Warning: Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, large hail, or tornadoes are occurring or imminent
- Watch: Tornadoes are possible in your area
- Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar - take shelter immediately
- Watch: Flooding is possible in your area
- Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon
- Winter Storm Watch: Severe winter conditions are possible
- Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter conditions are expected
- Blizzard Warning: Considerable falling/blowing snow with strong winds
- Watch: Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours
- Warning: Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours
- National Weather Service website (weather.gov)
- Weather apps from trusted sources
- FEMA mobile app
- Local news station apps
- Create an Emergency Kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, and medications
- Develop a Family Emergency Plan including communication strategies and meeting places
- Know Your Safe Spaces - identify the safest areas in your home for different types of severe weather
- Stay Informed - have multiple ways to receive alerts since technology can fail during severe weather
- Practice Your Plan - regularly review and practice your emergency procedures with family members
- Monitor weather updates regularly
- Review your emergency plan
- Prepare your emergency kit
- Charge electronic devices
- Take immediate protective action
- Move to your designated safe space
- Stay informed through reliable sources
- Follow instructions from local authorities
- Register with local emergency services if you have special needs
- Plan for power outages affecting medical equipment
- Have backup power sources and extra medications
- Include pets in your emergency planning
- Have pet carriers, food, and medications ready
- Know which shelters accept pets
- Continue monitoring alerts as additional hazards may exist
- Check on neighbors, especially the elderly and those with disabilities
- Avoid downed power lines and flooded areas
- Document any damage for insurance purposes
Tornado Alerts
Flood Alerts
Winter Weather Alerts
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Alerts
How to Receive Weather Alerts
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
These are emergency messages sent by authorized government agencies through your mobile carrier. They appear like text messages and are automatically sent to capable mobile devices in affected areas.
NOAA Weather Radio
Considered the "voice of the National Weather Service," these specialized radios provide 24/7 weather information and can be programmed for specific locations.
Mobile Apps and Websites
Social Media and Local Media
Follow verified accounts of weather services and local emergency management agencies on social media platforms.
Understanding Alert Terminology
Issuance Time: When the alert was first released
Effective Time: When the alert becomes active
Expiration Time: When the alert is no longer in effect
Affected Areas: Specific counties, cities, or regions covered by the alert
Preparing for Weather Alerts
Responding to Weather Alerts
When a Watch is Issued:
When a Warning is Issued:
Special Considerations
For People with Disabilities
For Pet Owners
After the Weather Event
Weather alerts are essential tools for public safety. By understanding them, having multiple ways to receive them, and knowing how to respond appropriately, you can significantly increase your safety during severe weather events.
The prompt for this was: Weather alerts
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