‘Thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, oh my’ — stay ready for severe weather

Destructive weather comes in many shapes and sizes, according to the websites, www.ready.marines.mil and www.ready.gov.  Some events are small, hard to see and pack a big punch while others are big, just as deadly, but easier to see coming. 

Thunderstorms can be seen from a distance as they roll in and a tornado will normally be associated with a system that produces thunderstorms. 

Tornado season runs generally March through August, but tornadoes can occur any time of the year. 

The one that may not be seen until it occurs is lightning because it can strike as far as 10 miles from the thunderstorm that produces it. 

The key to protecting people for each of these events is being prepared for them when they come. 

The below list gives recommendations active-duty service members, civil servants, contractors and families who work and live aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany can do to be prepared:

• Be aware of warnings and watches issued by the National Weather Service by making it a habit to watch the morning news, purchase a weather radio for your home or office and download applications for your smart phone that provide alerts.

   

• Register for local Mass Notification Systems. Dougherty County utilizes a system called “Code Red” while the Installation utilizes AtHoc.

   

• Create an emergency communication plan in case family members become separated.

   

• Create a family emergency plan that includes thunderstorm safety, where everyone will shelter if caught outside in a storm, and where to go for the highest available level of protection from a tornado for every place where family members spend a lot of time, such as home, work, school, or house of worship.

   

• When thunder roars, go indoors. Follow the 30-30 safety rule:

   

  • If the time between when a person sees the flash and hears the thunder is 30 seconds or less, the lightning is close enough to hit.

     

  • After the last flash of lightning, wait 30 minutes before leaving your shelter.