Severe Weather

For the purpose of this article, the focus will be on the United States. Due to its size topography, and varied climates, the U.S. has some of the world's move extreme and diverse weather.

First off, severe weather needs to be defined.

Severe weather is any meteorological event that's out of the ordinary and presents a danger to life. A typical event such as a thunderstorm can strengthen to become a severe weather event depending on the severity.

Disasters that are classified as severe weather include tornadoes and hurricanes. Events such as a wildfire can be the result of severe weather but aren't classified as such. 'Severe Weather' encompasses events that can both be disasters, or just more intense and extreme versions of day-to-day weather such as hot or cold temperature ranges.

Within the U.S., every state is either at risk of or regularly experiences a form of extreme weather. This may be due to temperature swings or more localized events. One of the more regular risks of severe weather is either a short-term or medium-term power outage.

The preparations for this event are fairly simple if your location isn't at risk for a longer-term disaster. Maintaining a grab-and-go bag (bug-out bag, go-bag, etc.) with 72 hours of supplies will get you through the majority of severe weather events. Additionally, a gas generator or solar array could be useful to charge both personal items and run larger appliances if the power outage is longer than six hours. Being self-sufficient for three days will get you through the majority of severe weather events.

That said, FEMA recommends individuals and families should store 2 weeks of supplies. I'd consider that the bare-bones level of preparedness especially if you live in an area with the chance of natural disasters such as hurricanes, ice storms, tornadoes, or any other event that can affect a large area over a long period of time.

Additional supplies to consider for severe weather events:

• Essential medications
• Change of clothing
• Paper map with evacuation routes/a family communications plan
• Spare eyeglasses/contacts
• Extra set of keys
• Flashlight with batteries
• Backup power batteries (Bluetti, Goal Zero)
• Battery-powered radio
• Copies of essential documents

During severe weather, whatever it may be, listen to official news weather channels. This allows you to hear any alerts for location-specific disasters such as tornadoes. Don't plan on doing last-minute shopping unless absolutely necessary. There's a reason stores are bare before a disaster. Everyone else has the same idea!

For options to receive severe weather alerts, the following site provides ways of being connected. https://www.weather.gov/wrn/wea

Weather alerts are also broadcast on weather apps and websites. There are also specific weather radios tuned to broadcast watches or warnings in your area, programmable to each state or county.

Tornadoes are severe weather events that almost always are created from a severe thunderstorm. A large, quickly-rotating column of air causes extremely high winds and flying debris. Rated on the EF scale from 0 (minor) to 5 (catastrophic,) these events can flatten almost everything in their path.

If you live in an area prone to tornadoes (such as 'Tornado Alley' in the U.S.), having a safe room or basement is highly recommended. Sheltering underground is the safest option for this disaster or evacuating to a shelter if you have warning.

However, these events can move quickly and unpredictably, so staying tuned into a local station to track their movements is also essential. Having a 72-hour kit is imperative for this disaster, as you literally may only have minutes to get somewhere safe. Ensure you are signed up for local weather alerts and have ways to monitor if a warning is given.

To anyone caught unprepared, extreme temperature fluctuations can be extremely dangerous. For both heat waves and cold spells, the power grid can be placed under excessive stress causing an outage. The lack of power can then cause secondary disasters due to utilities being unavailable.

In both cases, staying indoors and making your home as comfortable as possible is the safest option. For extreme heat, putting tin foil on the windows or investing in blackout curtains can reduce the ambient temperature indoors.

Supplies to consider for a heatwave -

• Cold packs
• Loose fitting clothing
• Extra water
• Sunscreen
• Backup power for grid failure

Limit outdoor activity during heat waves, and drink plenty of water. Having first aid training is also a plus, as you should watch out for the signs of heat exhaustion/heat stroke.

For extreme cold, having a supply of thick, wool blankets and spare undergarments is a prudent step to take.

Additional supplies to consider include -

• Hand warmers
• Hot drinks
• Cold-weather clothing and undergarments
• Backup power for grid failure

In both cases, having supplies in your car is also an essential preparation. Spare water (in pouches to handle the temperature swings,) along with heating/cooling items should be part of your car kit if you're in an area prone to such events.