Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Weathering the storms of Northwest Arkansas
Severe weather is a certainty in Northwest Arkansas — it can’t be avoided, so the best plan of action is to be prepared when it does hit. Whether it is the high winds of a tornado, the bitter cold and icy conditions of a knowing what to do in the instance of severe weather can mean the difference between life and death.
To prepare for severe weather, make a family emergency plan. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. This special “Weathering the Storm” section on severe weather in Northwest Arkansas provides helpful advice and tips on what to do when facing the brutal effects of such storms. By beginning with an emergency plan, this will help you know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated and establish a family meeting place that’s
Four major points of an emergency plan are:
• How you will receive emergency alerts and warnings. • Your shelter plan. • Your evacuation route. • Your family communication plan. As you prepare your plan and supplies, make sure they Keep in mind some of these factors when developing your plan: • Different ages of members within your household • Responsibilities for assisting others • Locations frequented • Dietary needs • Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment • Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment (i.e. – oxygen tanks) • Pets or service animals • Households with school-aged children
Once you have determined your family emergency plan, it is a good idea to practice it. Another way to be prepared for severe weather is to get involved in individuals about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster team organization, and disaster medical operations.
This special section focuses on preparedness when facing the dangers of tornados, ice and winter storms, taking these tips into account when preparing your family against the severe weather in Northwest Arkansas, you can better ensure the safety of yourself and those you love.