Severe Weather

Severe weather
Severe weather is very bad; it can be dangerous death traps. There are many types of severe storms: tornadoes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and severe thunderstorms. Tornadoes are very dangerous because the can come out of nowhere and maybe the siren won’t go off. Tornadoes can kill you, and that’s why you need a NOAA weather radio. What’s the difference between a TORNADO WATCH and a TORNADO WARNING? A TORNADO WATCH is issued when the conditions can produce tornadoes. A TORNADO WARNING is issued when a tornado has been spotted or radar has seen rotation.

TORNADO SAFETY
• Go to a basement or in a closet.
• Put as many walls between you and the outside.
• Wait for an all clear before coming out.

That’s why Odebolt-Arthur Community School holds tornado drills and fire drills. We have these drills to help us get ready in case a fire or tornado breaks out and comes here. In case a tornado watch has been issued in an area near the school or in the county of the school, monitor emergency stations or NOAA weather stations. Bring all people inside buildings. Review tornado drills procedures and the location of a safe area. Review “drop and tuck” procedures with students. In case a tornado warning has been issued in an area near school or a tornado has been spotted near the school, shut off all gas, move staff and students to a safe area, and make sure the teachers take attendance to see if all the students are there. Remain in the safe area until the warning has expired or until an all-clear signal is issued.

In the event a fire, smoke from a fire, or a gas odor has been detected, pull the fire alarm. Follow the normal fire drill route. Some causes of fires include little kids with lighters, bad electric wiring, and gases.

Hurricanes are destructive because of heavy winds, hail, tornadoes and heavy rains. Thunderstorms have hail, bad winds, lightning and very loud thunder. Thunderstorms can knock the power out for a very long time. There are also snowstorms and icestorms. Icestorms make the roads very bad and really icy. They may also knock power lines down and snap tree limbs off the tree. If you are driving during these conditions, DRIVE SLOWLY, and watch out for downed trees and power lines. Snowstorms can be blizzards with lots of snow and heavy winds. If you go out during a blizzard, make sure you have a winter survival kit with you at all times. Have a red shirt on your car somewhere so police can see you.
~ Evan and Britney