As spring kicks into gear, the season of severe weather also begins. Arkansas is in Dixie Alley, a part of the southern United States vulnerable to strong tornadoes. Considering tornado season lasts from March until June in Arkansas, brushing up on severe weather tips will save you time and stress later down the line. 

Know Where to Go:

Knowing where to go during severe weather may very well save your life. The Reng Student Union is a dedicated severe weather safe area on campus and should be where you go if possible.

However, if you can’t make it, knowing safe areas in your dorm or apartment will help immensely. Ask your RA where to go for your dorm and ask an administrator or professor for whichever building you’re in.

When in doubt, a room on the bottom floor of a building far away from windows is the safest bet. This could be your dorm room closet, a bathroom, or anything else applicable. 

If caught outside, either find a way to get inside quickly or find shelter outside. Avoid bridges or overpasses and don’t stay in your car. Your best bet is to lay face down in a ditch, covering your neck with your hands. If near a concrete culvert, this is a great place to shelter. 

Be aware thunderstorms often accompany tornadoes, which can bring lightning with them. If caught outside, stay away from anything tall or metal.

There is a small window of time you have to safely make it to a shelter. If you want to shelter in the Student Union, leave during a tornado watch, or even before then. If you try to leave during a tornado warning (which means there is visible rotation and a high possibility of the funnel cloud touching down), it is too late.

Stay Informed:

Staying informed on weather conditions will be your greatest tool when preparing for severe weather. Watch local weather segments and check the weather app on your phone daily. If severe weather strikes, you can get an approximate time of where you will be when it hits and how to best prepare.

Be sure to sign up for A-State Alerts to be instantly notified via text and email in case of any emergency. You can check official A-State social media accounts and the National Weather Service in Memphis for weather-related alerts.

In addition, KASU and KAIT 8 will broadcast during severe weather. You can livestream KAIT on their website in cases of severe weather, so you can have your phone or laptop open for constant coverage.

However, in case of a power or internet failure, keeping a hand crank radio allows you to tune in for weather updates. If using a hand crank radio, tune into KASU at 91.9 FM. 

Make a Plan:

If possible, know when and where you will be when severe weather strikes. If time permits, gather any important items in a bag to take with you when you shelter. Having some non-perishable snacks, bottled water, a portable phone charger and any medications on you is a good idea as well. 

If you have an animal, make plans for their safety as well. If you have a small pet, crate them and be ready to take with you. If you have a larger animal, leash them and muzzle if necessary. Take some of their food, water and medication with you if possible.

Final Thoughts:

Contrary to all southern instincts, resist the urge to go outside and watch severe weather. Do not risk your safety or anyone else’s trying to get a photo or video of the weather. 

If worried about damage to your car, move it to a covered area well before the storm hits. Charge any electronics beforehand. 

Severe weather season is just ramping up, so carry these tips with you and share them with friends to keep safe. Stay safe and stay prepared!

Categories: Life