The spring and summer months are especially prone to conditions that create severe weather such as thunderstorms, lightning strikes, floods, tornadoes and extreme heat in the summer. During Severe Weather Awareness Week Texans are advised to assemble a "readiness kit" of important emergency supplies including a first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food; and are encouraged to keep a battery-operated radio or television set to receive important information during storms, designate a place to go in case of evacuation, and develop an emergency plan for communicating with relatives and friends.
While dangerous storms can strike at any time of year, March, April and May bring the greatest potential for violent weather events in Texas, including damaging thunderstorms, hail storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding. According to the National Weather Service, Texas leads the nation with an average of 139 tornado strikes per year and often suffers the highest resulting death toll of any other state. Additionally, Texas endures the second-highest level of lightning fatalities and often leads in the number of flash flood deaths per year. A majority of these victims suffer due to failure to take proper precautions in such emergencies.
Therefore the State of Texas has proclaimed February 22-28, 2009 as “Severe Weather Awarness Week”. During this effort, the El Paso Fire Department along with area agencies will work to inform the public about the necessary steps we can all take to be prepared for severe weather, including the creation of an emergency action plan.
Part of the action plan is to use the Buddy System to look out for each other , especially the Elderly and In-firmed, during the hot summer days which lay ahead. El Paso Fire Department Officials also suggest creating and maintaining an emergency kit which should contain the following:
- Bottled water (three-day supply of four quarts per person per day)
- Food (three-day supply of non-perishable foods such as canned meats, fruits and vegetables)
- Can opener, pocket knife, eating utensils, cups, plates and bowls
- First-aid kit and at least a 30 day supply of prescription medicines
- Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Tools, tape, plastic sheeting, signal flares and matches
- Fire extinguisher
- Sanitation products such as toilet paper, paper towels, soap, detergent, bleach and disinfectant
- Clothing and bedding for each family member.
- Special items for babies, the elderly, disabled persons or others with special needs
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- Important documents (kept in waterproof containers) such as insurance policies, deeds, titles, stocks, birth certificates, passports, wills, immunization records, etc.
