With spring’s arrival comes an increased likelihood of severe weather across Nebraska. The American Red Cross (redcrossblood.org) urges residents to take steps now to prepare for thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding and other severe weather.
The Red Cross encourages everyone to download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real time alerts, emergency guidance in English and Spanish and information on available disaster shelters and support locations.
Staying informed is critical. Individuals and families should use multiple methods to receive weather updates, including options that do not require electricity, in case of a power outage. It’s also important to understand the difference between a watch and a warning:
- WATCH: Be prepared. Severe weather is possible and conditions may worsen. Use this time to review your plan and stay alert for additional updates.
- WARNING: Take action. Severe weather is occurring, imminent or likely, and poses a threat to life or property. Move to your safe location immediately.
When thunder roars, go indoors. Seek shelter in a sturdy building, moving to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor and staying away from windows and doors.
Plan ahead by identifying a safe place to shelter and practicing tornado drills with your household. Safe locations include a basement, storm cellar or small interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Mobile homes and RVs are not safe during tornadoes.
If flooding is expected or occurring, be prepared to evacuate immediately if instructed by local officials. Never walk, swim or drive through floodwaters.
For more information, please visit redcrossblood.org or follow them on social media.