Are you ready for spring?

  • Published
  • By Mater Sgt. Samuel Simmons
  • 509th Opearations Support Squadron Weather Flight Chief
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, MO --  After a long, cold winter the seasons are changing and spring is finally in the air. The days are getting longer, temperatures are on the rise, the snow has melted and most of us are leaving our coats at home. 

The trade-off for these better outdoor conditions is the threat of severe weather. Contrary to what you may have heard, hazardous weather can and does occur at Whiteman ranging from large hail and damaging winds to tornadic activity recently. 

Despite the best efforts of ours forecasters, these events can occur with little or no warning. Missouri usually averages 30 tornadoes each year, but 2006 set a new record with 102 confirmed touchdowns shattering the old record of 84 in 2003. 

Although severe thunderstorms can happen any time of year, the severe weather season runs from March through September with peak months from April through June. The same goes for tornadoes, they can occur anytime of the year if the conditions are right but typically peak from late April through mid-June. The question is, are you ready for it? 

Here are a few steps that can get you ready: 

First, know the terminology. A Watch means that the potential exists for severe weather or tornadoes to occur. Basically, even though there may not be a cloud in the sky the ingredients are there for the development of bad weather. The Watch is used as a tool to heighten awareness so that people may take appropriate actions. A Warning indicates that severe weather is expected to occur or that a tornado has either been spotted or indicated by our doppler weather radar. When a tornado Warning is issued, the base sirens will sound the 3-5 minute steady tone as well as a voice recording telling all to take shelter immediately. 

Second, know where to turn for information. The weather flight, in conjunction with the 26 Operational Weather Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, Los Angelos, uses the Local Weather Network System to disseminate all weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Whiteman AFB. 

Valid Warnings, Watches and Advisories can also be viewed under the weather link on the Whiteman Intranet. Off-duty personnel, civilians and off-base residents should utilize their local news station, weather channels, weather internet sites or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio to keep abreast of weather affecting their area. 

Third, have a plan in place and practice it. If the tornado sirens are sounding, you will likely only have minutes to seek safety. Ensure that you, your coworkers and your family know where to go and what to do. Seek shelter away from windows and assume a protective posture by crouching on your knees and covering your head with your hands.
The safest place to be during a tornado is an approved storm shelter or basement. If you do not have your own storm shelter or basement most communities have designated shelters but ensure you have sufficient time to get there. If all else fails and a basement or shelter are not available, go to the lowest floor in the center of the building and seek shelter in a closet, under a stairwell, an interior hallway or even the bathtub and cover up with some type of thick padding like a mattress or heavy blanket. 

If you live in a mobile home, get out! Tornadoes can even destroy mobile homes that are tied down and you will likely be safer outside. 

Seek shelter in a close-by sturdy permanent building or lie flat and assume a protective posture in a low lying area facing away from the mobile home. 

If you are caught outside or in your car follow these rules as well. It is not likely that you or your car will be able to outrun a tornado. 

Do not tie yourself to a well pipe with a leather strap. This may have worked well in the movies, but if a tornado is strong enough to demolish a building, it will make short work of a leather strap. 

Fourth, make a post storm kit. Keep in mind that power, water and phone services could be knocked out for days or even weeks. It's not a bad idea to have a few things on hand such as blankets, flashlights, radio and batteries as well as enough water and food to last for two days. 

Lastly...BE SAFE! Currently the weather service has an abundant supply of trained storm spotters, so please seek shelter when the warning is issued or you hear the sirens. If you want to get a quick look at the tornado before it hits, it may be the last thing you ever see. Once the tornado has passed, be careful of debris and downed power lines.
Meet your family or coworkers at a predetermined rally point and stay together. Do not enter unstable buildings or use open flames since gas lines may have ruptured during the storm. Render first aid to those who may need it, wait calmly for emergency services and follow their instructions. 

If you are looking for a good opportunity to practice your plan, Missouri Severe Weather Awareness Week is set for March 10-14. Whiteman AFB will conduct a Natural Disaster Readiness Exercise March 11 to exercise its tornado preparedness. 

This will occur the same day the National Weather Service will have their tornado drill testing their broadcast systems and local emergency response. If actual severe weather is forecasted for the NWS planned drill date, then the alternate date for the test will be March 13 at 1:30 p.m.