Monday, April 3, 2017

Tornado Watches and Tornado Warnings

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"Tornado with Dust and Debri Cloud"
(C) Flickr Creative Commons, NOAA Photo Library

WOOF!! BARK!  Pawsingly, after an interesting day of whacky weather adventures, I thought it impawtant to mention a few key factors about tornadoes that I've heard some humans question.  arf!

Not too long back, our day was not a fun weather day at all, seems we've had too many of those lately.  WOOF!!  I sensed the storm coming so I waited with my human. Kept him company, you know!

The day started out simple enough: more rain.  Continuing to rain from a storm which came in the day before.  In the afternoon though, the weather began to turn serious and fast.

Barkingly pawsome is some training and exploring that my humans took me on when we first moved to our house! Dad showed me the basement and whenever he works in his studio down there, he takes me with him.  Mom takes me too- but she doesn't go down there as much as Dad.

Several months later, the training and exploring turned out to be impawtent in a matter of a few minutes as the weather turned violent.

A Tornado Watch was issued for our area about 3 p.m. or so.  These alerts always get Dad's attention -like it's an urgent situation.  And, he says "It's urgent to know about it and what it means!"

"A Tornado Watch is to alert us that conditions are favorable for a tornado," Dad goes on, "it doesn't mean one has been spotted or that a tornado is imminent, but, that severe weather conditions, such as severe thunderstorms, which could produce tornadoes are possible.  When you hear about a "Tornado Watch," you should be prepared   Also, it is important to keep an eye on the weather and listen to the radio or TV for further news!"

Should a tornado be spotted, a "Tornado Warning" will be issued which means to take cover immediately.  Get to the lowest room in your home and hunker down until the "Tornado Warning" is over.

Dad has a battery operated radio, an extra set or two of batteries, a scanner radio which receives the weather frequency alerts and extra batteries and a small container of my treats and a chew toy for me in the basement for this kind of emergency.  He takes his cell phone and his tablet with him -just in case we get bored waiting for the storm to pass.

A list of local emergency phone numbers should be kept close by or at hand as a preparation measure.   These should include the local Emergency Animal Hospital, the Veterinarian, and the First Responders for humans in your area- though most times those can be reached by dialing 9-1-1.

Another consideration, should you have to evacuate your home, does the local emergency shelter allow dogs and cats?  Consider placing a sign in the window by the front door or on the screen door which alerts First Responders to you having a dog.


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