2022 Severe Weather Awareness Week Starts Today

Safety & Preparedness

Severe weather in North/Central Alabama can happen during any time of year, but there are two distinct peaks: Spring and Fall. While March, April, and May contain the greatest number of severe weather instances, severe weather for our area peaks again in November. Take the time to prepare now!

Don’t wait until severe weather is happening to have a plan! Take the time to prepare NOW! Know the difference between a Watch and a Warning, and know what to when/if one is issued for your location! Always have more than one way to receive potentially life-saving weather information! Make sure you have fresh batteries in your NOAA Weather Radio, too! Have a plan in place, and know where to take shelter at home, work, church, or any other venue you frequent! Injuries and deaths due to severe weather can be prevented through proper safety and preparedness measures!

Know Where You Live

There are many aspects to being prepared for severe weather, but first and foremost, KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE! No matter what you have in your severe weather plan, it will never be complete until you can pinpoint your location on a map. Take a few moments NOW to learn some local geography, so you can be more prepared when severe weather strikes. Don’t just stop at your home location, learn your surrounding counties and communities. This extra bit of knowledge will help you determine if storms in other areas are heading your way. Knowledge is power, a power that could SAVE YOUR LIFE!

What’s the Difference Between a Watch & a Warning?

• Watch
—— Conditions are favorable for severe weather development
—— Issued for up to six hours
—— Review your severe weather safety plan
—— Be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions

• Warning
—— Severe weather has been detected on radar or has been observed
—— Issued for up to one hour
—— Take cover!
—— Activate your severe weather safety plan immediately!

Weather Hazards & Safety

Severe weather comes in many forms here in North/Central Alabama. From tornadoes to flooding, we see it all. It’s important to know the different weather hazards and some simple safety tips. Throughout the week, we’ll share information with you to learn how to prepare and keep you and your family safe from each type of hazard.

Alabama Sales Tax Holiday: February 25-27, 2022

At the end of the week, the state of Alabama will hold a sales tax holiday for severe weather preparedness items. Don’t miss this great opportunity to purchase any items you may be missing from your emergency kit. See if your city or town is participating by visiting the Alabama Department of Revenue’s Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday page. To see what items will be covered by the tax holiday, CLICK HERE.

Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Severe Weather