Get Prepared with NOAA's Spring Weather Safety Campaign

Spring has sprung and now is the time to get prepared for some of America's wildest weather! The spring season brings 3 months of tornadoes, floods, thunderstorm winds, hail, lightning, heat, wildfires, rip currents and tsunamis. Spring is a time for transition, when late-season snow storms can impact the East Coast and the Northern Plains, thunderstorms rip across the South and Midwest, and rivers overflow their banks and heat waves begin in the Southwest. However, there's one hazard that can strike anytime: a tsunami. Don't let the spring season take you by surprise. Here are a few simple steps from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to get ready for spring:

1. Know Your Risk 


Here’s what you need to know about tornadoes, floods, thunderstorm winds, hail, lightning, heat, wildfires, rip currents and tsunamis:
  • Since 2003, 43 states within the continental United States have come under a tornado watch; 49 states have come under severe thunderstorm watches; and lightning strikes occur in every state.
  • More than half of the total freshwater flood-related deaths each year result from motorists driving into floodwaters. It only takes 12 inches of water to carry off a small vehicle.
  • Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of deaths each year. The heat wave of 1995 claimed more than 700 lives in the Chicago area alone.
  • In 2014, there were 26 lightning fatalities - six in Florida alone.
  • Wildfires kill 30 people, destroy 2,800 homes and burn more than 7 million acres, on average per year.
  • The United States Lifesaving Association estimates that more than 100 people each year die in the surf zone waters of the U.S. and that rip currents cause the majority of those fatalities.
  • Since the beginning of the 20th century, 34 tsunami events have caused more than 500 deaths and over $1.7 billion (2014 dollars) in damage to U.S. coastal states and territories.

2. Take Action


While the weather is wildly unpredictable, you can still do things to prepare ahead of time. Here are few simple steps to follow: 
  • You may have only minutes to find shelter before a tornado strikes. Practice a family tornado drill at least once a year.
  • Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road, Turn Around Don't Drown®.
  • Check to see if officials in charge of sports have a written lightning safety plan.  
  • Extreme heat comes early to the Southwest. During a heat wave, reschedule strenuous outdoor activities for the coolest time of the day.
  • If you live near wildland areas, make sure you home is Firewise and fire-safe.
  • This spring break, avoid rip currents by checking the local beach forecast and talking to the lifeguard.
  • If you live, work or play on the coast, learn about tsunami safety.

3. Be a Force of Nature


Being prepared is not just about yourself, but also about helping your community. Inspire others to prepare by doing the following:
  • Write a post on Facebook. Share with your friends and family the details of how you’re weather-ready.
  • Tweet that you’re prepared with #SpringSafetyPrep. Help us build an online community of the prepared.
  • Create a Family Communication Plan so that your loved ones know how to get in touch during an emergency. And let your friends know that they should create a plan also.
  • Look for ways to help your town prepare, such as volunteering with the American Red Cross or joining a Community Emergency Response Team.
  • Register for America’s PrepareAthon! to learn how to stay safe during disasters.

By following these simple steps you can be prepared for whatever crazy weather might come your way this spring. BIG BAGS USA® is here to help make sure your prepared when it comes to flooding. Our innovative flood barrier systems are super versatile and can help with any flood water management situation. Whether you're on the coast or in the middle of Missouri, BIG BAGS USA® can save you time and money this spring!

For the full article and more information on how to get involved in the Spring Safety Campaign, please visit: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/spring_safety.html#.VSaId_nF_Da

If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.


D.R.I.P.S.
Disaster Relief & Innovative
Protection Systems, LLC
(573) 480-6699

Let's Connect!

ALWAYS READY TO HELP LOCAL, STATE, & FEDERAL AGENCIES ... BE PREPARED!   


Location: Camdenton, MO 65020, USA

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