STATEWIDE — This week, March 14th through March 20th, marks Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana.
According to National Weather Service meteorologist Sam Lashley, this week is a time for people to “plan and think ahead” before severe weather develops. Lashley defines severe weather as “straight line damaging winds of 58 miles per hour or greater, large hail of one inch in diameter or larger, tornadoes and flash flooding.”
Lashley says people in Indiana will most commonly experience severe weather through thunderstorms. However, Indiana does experience all forms of severe weather, so it’s best to be prepared for anything.
Lashley emphasizes that this week, you should talk to your family about your severe weather plans.
“It’s always best for families to talk about these things so everyone knows what’s going on,” Lashley said. “If you’re going to be separated from your family when severe weather is possible, be talking about a rendezvous point or how to get in touch with each other in case cell service goes down.”
He says you should also be asking: “Where is my safe location?”, whether you’re at work, at home or in your car. Generally, Lashley says, the rule of thumb is to put as many walls between you and the outside building you’re in, and to stay away from windows.
In addition, Erin Rowe, the Director of Emergency Management with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, says you should have a supply kit filled with food for 72 hours, medication and other necessities.
On Tuesday, as part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, the IMPD Emergency Management Bureau will conduct a tornado drill in Marion County. The drill starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 10:30 a.m.
For more information on Severe Weather Preparedness Week, go here.
