4/11/13 - Itâs severe weather awareness week across Michigan and local residents are being encouraged to prepare and protect themselves before it strikes. Typically severe weather season starts in April, peaks in June and July and then lessens in the fall but events are un-predictable and can happen at any time. Last year marked significant tornado outbreaks and flooding events, with an EF3 tornado touching down in Dexter last March. That was followed in May by massive flooding in the Flint area, which had 5 to 8 inches of rain during one night that led to roughly $10 (m) million in damages and evacuations due to the high flood waters. Because spring and summer frequently bring fast-changing conditions and the unexpected, Meteorologist Rich Pollman with the National Weather Serviceâs White Lake Office says now is a good time to develop your family or workforce preparedness plan so that when and if severe weather does strike, everyone knows what to do. Pollman says in case you are affected by severe weather or lose power; itâs a good idea to have necessary supplies on hand for 72 hours, whether cash, medicine, baby needs or a flashlight. Underneath a basement stairwell is the safest place to be but if thatâs not an option, Pollman says get the lowest floor of the building or home and put as many walls between you and the tornado as possible for the most protection â whether that be a small closet, hallway or bathroom that does not have an outside wall. Improvements have also been made to the overall message warning system following years of assessments, which Pollman says allows them to get information out to emergency managers, the media and therefore the public so everyone can better understand the threat level of each storm and seek appropriate action. He says clear details that apply to a specific area as well as those more borderline are contained in warnings while new emergency alerts on cellphones that provide flash flood and tornado warnings add extra protection. (JM)
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