Severe weather information announced
San Jacinto News- Times - May 2009

COLDSPRING -- Severe weather can happen anytime in Texas. “We are subject to many types of weather, fl oods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and much more. Families are urged to take the time now and prepare their Emergency Supply Kits and have things ready in case of evacuation,” said San Jacinto County Emergency Management Coordinator David Clark. The following information is provided to you from Clark and City of Shepherd Emergency Management Coordinator Cindy Nicklas. If you have any questions, please contact David Clark at the San Jacinto County Offi ce of Emergency Management at 936-653-3385 or Cindy Nicklas for the City of Shepherd at 936-628-3305.

*SPECIAL NEEDS CITIZENS should pick up a a SPECIAL NEEDS FORM at any of the San Jacinto County Commissioner’s Offices; City of Shepherd City Hall; Coldspring Pharmacy; JC’s Pharmacy; Senior Citizens Centers in Shepherd and Coldspring and San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office. (Please complete the form and mail it to the address listed on the form.) Emergency Supply Kit should contain the following: First Aid Kit, Cash (power outages mean banks and ATM’s may be unavailable) Road maps, Battery-operated radio and flashlight with extra batteries Important documents and records, photo ID’s, proof of residence 3-day supply of non-perishable food, one gallon of bottled water per person per day Coolers for food and ice storage Fire extinguisher Blankets, sleeping bags, and extra clothing Extra medications & prescriptions, hearing aids and other special medical items Eyeglasses and sunglasses Toilet paper, clean-up supplies, duct tape, tarp, rope Can opener, knife, tools, booster cables Special supplies needed for babies, older adults, and pets Severe Weather Planning for Texas: Straight line wind storms, downburst rains and tornadoes can occur at any time of year in Texas. So it pays for individuals and families to plan what to do well in advance.

When a severe storm or tornado strikes, there may be only a few seconds to react and find shelter. For home, work, or school, shelter areas should be designated, whether they are in basements below ground level, ground level windowless rooms, or interior hallways on the lowest floor. Protect yourself from flying debris with thick blankets, sleeping bags or mattresses. If you are in a vehicle, mobile home or portable classroom, move quickly to a strong building for shelter. If there is no shelter, lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression.

Do not take shelter in a structure with a high, wide roof such as an auditorium, gym, or shopping mall. Water on the Road: TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. For the past 30 years, the national average for deaths during floods has been 127 each year. In Texas, the death toll from floods averages 15 victims a year. Nearly half of all flood fatalities are vehicle-related and the majority of victims are males, according the National Weather Service.

These are the facts: *Six (6) inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. *Twelve (12) inches of water will float many cars. *Two feet of rushing water will carry off pick-up trucks, SUV’s and most other vehicles. *Water across a road may hide a missing segment of roadbed or a missing bridge. Roads weaken under floodwater and drivers should proceed cautiously after waters have reced- ed since the road may collapse under the weight of the vehicle. Tornado Safety for Texans: A TORNADO WATCH is issued when severe weather is expected along with large or multiple tornadoes. It means WATCH the sky. A TORNADO WARNING means TAKE ACTION because a tornado is on the ground. Seek shelter immediately. A tornado warning usually covers one county or a portion of a county and generally lasts for an hour or less.

When a tornado is sighted, the most important rule is to GET LOW AND STAY LOW. Hail and Straight Line Winds: Thousands of thunderstorms strike Texas every year, many of them severe. A severe thunderstorm is defined as a storm that produces winds of at least 58 mph, hail three -fourths of an inch in diameter or a tornado. Dangers include: Straight line winds, or winds in excess of 100 mph, strong enough to uproot trees and cause substantial damage to buildings. Downburst winds - severe and rapid downdrafts of air that push damaging winds outward on or near ground level, especially dangerous to aviation.

Hail falling to earth at speeds nearing 100 mph, damaging trees, crops, automobiles and buildings. Hail storms cause more than $1 Billion in damage nationwide each year. Delay the Game when Thunderstorms Approach: The Governor’s Division of Emergency Management offers the following lightning safety tips: *If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. *If you are outdoors with no shelter available, stay low. *Move away from hills and high places, and avoid tall, isolated trees. *Do not touch metal objects, such as tennis rackets, baseball bats, or golf clubs. *Do not ride bicycles, or lean against fences or metal sheds. *Do not lean against a car or truck--get inside the vehicle quickly. *If you feel you hair suddenly stand on end, it means you may be a lightning target.

Crouch low on the balls of your feet and try not to touch the ground with your knees or hands. *Avoid wet areas that can conduct the lightning charge. “This information is provided to us from the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management and you can visit their website at www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem for more information. Perhaps the most important thing to remember as we focus on awareness is to stay vigilant and informed when it comes to severe weather. By doing so, you may save your own life or the life of a loved one,” Clark said.