Welcome to theweathermakers.org! We are excited to see you landed on this page. In this article, we have covered some of the disastrous Weather Phenomena and the precautionary safety tips you should follow to save yourself in these crisis.
What is Weather?
The description of the atmospheric conditions at a given time at a particular latitude is known as Weather. The Weather is a daily phenomenon, that will change in a matter of seconds. Let's see disastrous weather in detail.
Why Weather is Disastrous?
Weather is one of the most variable and unpredictable forces of nature. Though man has been able to conquer various disciplines with the help of advanced science and technology, the Weather is not one of them.
Despite growing digitalization, innovation, and discoveries, all man has achieved is being able to predict the Weather and not prevent or alter it. There is no invention as of such to stop weather events to abort the destruction caused by it, and it doesn’t seem like any such discovery will happen anytime soon either - the Weather is something that controls us, instead of the reverse.
How to Deal with Disastrous Weather?
Though disastrous weather phenomena can’t be stopped, the effects can be minimized as we put in our best efforts to survive through natural disasters.
Such disastrous weather phenomena can cause immense damage, completely destroying the property and livelihoods of people in addition to claiming several human fatalities and injuries. We’ve put together some of the things you can follow to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones in case disaster strikes.
Disasterous Weather Phenomenon and Safety Tips to Deal with it
Tornado:
A column of air that rotates very violently forms a tornado. The intensity of the tornado is dependent on the distance, depending on whether it is some yards or miles away.
They usually extend or formed from thunderstorms. With wind speeds, more than 300 miles per hour are extremely hazardous. It is one of the most destructive weather phenomena, claiming many lives each year.
Safety Tips to Follow During a Torando:
Always stay home during a tornado and try not to venture outside. In case you are already outdoors, seek shelter immediately or get back home if you can. Instruct all your family members to stay indoors at home for their safety.
If the tornado alert or warning predicts a violent tornado, wear a helmet and shoes. A helmet makes sure that your head is protected even if heavy objects fall or get displaced.
Keep distance from the windows and pick the safest or best-suited room for shelter and gather all the family members and pets to stay in that room together till the tornado recedes. It is important to stick together.
Constantly stay updated about weather reports and warnings given for the tornado.
Don’t venture outside till the authorities instruct that it is safe to do so. Follow all instructions and regulations carefully.
Earthquake:
Earthquake is formed due to the movement of tectonic plates on the Earth’s surface. It refers to the perceptible shaking of the ground or surface.
Earthquakes are classified into various categories and vary from being barely felt to intensely violent, causing large scale destruction. So many cities have been destroyed because of earthquakes, with buildings and infrastructure damaged beyond repair.
It is definitely the most damaging and hazardous natural calamity, mostly because it is very difficult to accurately forecast an earthquake well in advance. Also, it is difficult to take the necessary precautions and survive an earthquake, but here are some ways to overcome the challenge.
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind while Dealing with an Earthquake
Prepare an emergency plan and keep it ready in case an earthquake is predicted. Try to keep an exit door unlocked, making it simple to leave or escape from the building or house.
In case you are in a different building other than home, be informed of the location of the nearest emergency exit.
Stick with your family members all time, and try your best not to get separated.
Ensure that your house or building is engineered to withstand even the harshest earthquakes if you live in an earthquake-prone area.
Seek shelter in an open area or plain field with no obstacles like trees, electric posts, or buildings nearby when an earthquake occurs. Get out of the house or building as soon as possible.
Stay calm and refrain from panicking, don’t go to a crowded area as stampedes may ensue due to the ongoing chaos.
Tsunami:
Also called as a wave harbor, a tsunami is a weather event where the waves of the ocean or sea rise to very high or incredible heights by the force of abnormal strengths whose origin is yet unknown in detail.
However, they are generally caused by volcanic eruptions or earthquakes underwater bodies or surfaces. Tsunamis of high magnitude are incredibly dangerous and wreak irreparable havoc along the coastline and affect all waterside or coastal residents.
These high waves may cause floods and destroy everything nearby. A lot of countries encounter tsunamis and here are some of the most important tips to face a tsunami.
Safety Tips to Overcome Tsunami:
Avoid purchasing property too close to water or the sea.
Try to avoid investing in a place of residence too near to water sources like seashores and oceans as it’s not safe.
If you live by the coastline, ensure your property is at a level higher than ground level or usual plain.
Try vacating to a safe house or higher area in case a tsunami alert is sounded.
Refrain from visiting beaches or lakes when there is a tsunami warning. In case you or your family are already at the beach, try to return immediately.
Try to get to higher levels like high rise buildings when a tsunami is predicted to start.
Flood:
One of the most devastating and unpredictable weather phenomena, floods are a result of heavy rainfall or massive water collection.
They are highly dangerous, leading to several fatalities due to drowning as well as causing immense damage to human property and belongings. Low areas and plains are at high risk of flooding, and places with unreliable and faulty plumbing and drainage systems are in danger of severe flooding.
A number of floods have caused irreparable damage to human beings, animals, property, livelihoods, infrastructure, forests, etc.
Safety Tips to Overcome a Flood:
During flood warnings, keep all valuables, important documents, and other assets at the highest possible levels.
Clean the drainage system and ensure that no obstructions block the drains.
If the house is safe with no risk of submersion during an ongoing flood, stay indoors at all costs until the water level outside recedes.
Try to take shelter in the agreed safe spot in case floodwater starts seeping indoors.
Keep away from all power points, electric wires, switchboards, and other lines.
Turn off the main power source of the house.
Plan multiple escape routes and opt for a safe haven to seek shelter during dire need and inform all your family members.
Once the flooding stops, be careful so as not to accidentally encounter dangerous debris submerged in the floodwater.
Thunderstorms:
Thunderstorms are the exception to many abnormal weather phenomenon that occurs quite regularly during the rainy season.
Lightning and thunder following rain, storm, snow, and sometimes hail constitute a thunderstorm. Though storms regularly occur with minimal damage, sometimes thunderstorms cause a number of accidents like falling of trees, fatal lightning strikes, dangerous hailstones, initiation of floods, and much more. There are instances of the harshest thunderstorms claiming lives as well.
Safety Tips to Follow During a Thunderstorm:
Never go outside during an ongoing thunderstorm, especially if there is lightning, as it is extremely dangerous.
Seek shelter immediately if you are outside when a thunderstorm starts. However, never stand under trees or lampposts as lightening strikes taller objects first relative to open spaces.
Unplug all electrical equipment like televisions, mixers, washing machines, etc. from the socket as they can suffer damage.
Switch off the main power supply.
If a fire starts due to short circuits or lightning, don’t use water to put out the fire as water is a conductor of electricity, and this can be very dangerous to the person in contact, use sand or fire extinguishers instead.
Snowstorm:
The winter is a magical time, and everyone loves building snowmen, sledding or playing in the snow.
However, snowstorms and blizzards, which are a common occurrence during winter. Heavy snowfall and freezing weather affect human health adversely.
Snow covers everything during such times, and it takes ages to melt too. Extreme snowfall makes it difficult for people to leave their houses or get one place to another due to icy, slippery roads. Similarly, snowstorms and blizzards have a lot of adverse effects.
Safety Tips to Follow During Heavy Snowfall:
Heat up the whole house to keep warm and prevent chills.
Keep firewood handy to continually use the fireplace.
Stock up on food and groceries as roads can be blocked due to heavy snowfall.
Seal or close all doors and windows to prevent cold breezes decreasing the room temperature.
Consume hot meals and boiling/hot water to keep yourself warm. Eat heavy meals to have a warm body temperature.
Be careful while venturing outdoors due to slippery roads.
Heat Waves:
Though people love warm summers, extremely hot weather is not only uncomfortable but also extremely dangerous.
Overheated climates often cause heatstroke, dehydration, muscle cramp, and a number of similar health problems. In extreme instances, fatalities are also reported with hundreds of lives lost each year due to scorching hot temperatures.
Safety Tips to Follow During Heat Waves:
While electric fans can chill down temperatures during hot Weather, it is advisable not to use them as the primary cooling system. AC use is ideal for beating the heat.
Maintain and check on your AC during summer.
If you don’t own an AC means shift you and your family to someplace where you can get access to one.
Try to stay indoors as much as possible as the scorching sun outdoors will cause heatstroke.
Consume as much liquids as possible in order to prevent dehydration. Avoid drinking alcohol as it causes more harm than good during the heat.
Check up on the elderly, children, and people with medical conditions as they are most vulnerable to such heat.
Always wear light, comfy and loose clothes and refrain from wearing dark shades as they absorb heat.
Additional Safety Tips to Follow in Case Any Kind of Storm or Disastrous Weather:
Contact your local insurance agent and sort out your insurance eligibility.
Know the evacuation route and the process your town uses to deal with emergencies and storms.
Locate and have the nearest Red Cross shelter information with you.
Allot a common meeting point as a rendezvous place in case you get separated from your family members.
Keep a survival kit handy, which includes non-perishable food, water, battery operated radio, flashlight, first aid kit, tools, cash, insurance information, important contacts, medicines, documents, and other necessities.
Fill your car up with a full tank of gas and keep the necessary equipment and a to-go survival supply kit in your car.
Lock and board up all windows, doors, and openings at your property.
Anchor outdoor objects which can’t be moved inside and shift the rest indoors.
Make sure the water, gas, electric utilities, and other connections are switched off.
Charge your phone fully and don’t use it unnecessarily.
Thunderstorms, tornado, flood, hurricane, and other alerts and warnings should be taken seriously as it indicates extreme weather conditions have been spotted and are en route. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
In case of severe winds, move to the middle of your home or basement and take cover. Stay away from windows and glass doors.
Do not stay in a manufactured home or temporary constructions during the danger of imminent storms.
Consider building a safe room that is reinforced to provide you protection in case you live in an area prone to storms.
Stay updated regarding the developments of the storm by means of the internet or radio.
If you own a boat, check with marina guidelines and devise a plan to protect it. Determine the safest place to ride out a storm and avoid low dock piling.
Let friends and relatives know where you’ll and keep them updated on your happenings.
Conclusion
Disaster can strike anytime, so it’s best to always be prepared to face any kind of storm or disaster. You should always have a home emergency kit regardless of whether there’s a storm alert or not. Always stockpile groceries, food, and drinking water as the Weather is unpredictable and can change for the worse anytime.
Always keep up-to-date with the weather reports and alerts via TV, radio, or mobile apps. While preserving your property and wealth is important, always give utmost importance to yourself and your family because materials can be regained again, but one cannot say the same for human life.
Several storms and disasters have proved devastating and cost billions of dollars in damages and claimed many lives. Follow the above safety tips to always make sure you and your family are protected as well as minimizing the extent of damage on your property.
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About the Author
I am Tim, a weather enthusiast who loves to watch hurricanes and all other harsh weather conditions. I studied B.Sc(Meteorology) at the University of Miami. With excellent knowledge of Weather Forecasting, Meteorology, and Environmental Science, I am currently working in San Francisco as a Meteorologist. Also, I am a member of The Weather Channel and AccuWeather. In this blog, I will write a detailed review of Weather instruments that you need for survival and other activities.
