In nine days, spring will arrive in Michigan. With that comes the Big Thaw, the return of our feathered friends and the blooming of flowers. And also, the need to be prepared for potential natural disasters.
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson has designated March 29-April 4 as Severe Weather Awareness week in the county.
Specifically, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Patterson advised county residents, schools and businesses to develop, review and practice emergency response plans to be prepared in case a storm hits. Last year, Oakland County issued 139 storm-based warnings.
On the first Saturday of every month from March to November–excluding April when a special test will be done instead on April 1 at 11:30 a.m.–the Oakland County Emergency Response and Preparedness will conduct Outdoor Warning System Siren tests to raise awareness of Severe Weather.
Tornadoes form when hot and cold weather fronts suddenly meet, resulting in an unstable air column of violently rotating winds that reach from the ground to a thunderstorm cloud.
In 2008, Oakland County’s 139 storm-based warnings were slightly below the 142-warning average and one tornado occurred (the seasonal average is six). Since 1950, according to Oakland County’s website, more than 235 people have been killed by tornadoes while Michigan has experienced more than 650 tornadoes.
‘The biggest mistake people make during severe weather conditions is to ignore the warnings,? said Oxford Fire Department Pete Scholz. ‘By then, it can be too late.?
An average of 18 tornadoes occur in Michigan every year. The average Michigan tornado lasts less than 10 minutes and travels about five miles. Their windspeeds vary from 100-300 mph.
According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, a thunderstorm consists of moisture, rising unstable air and a ‘lifting mechanism? that nudges the air up. Thunderstorms are considered ‘severe? when they contain three-quarter-inch or greater hail, with winds gusting more than 57.5 mph and/or tornadoes.They last about 30 minutes with about 10 percent reaching severe levels.
Locally, the Oxford Fire Dept. tests warning sirens located throughout the township on the first Saturday of every month at 1 p.m. When the sirens are not being tested and they go off, it means a tornado has been spotted in Oakland County.
The department offers the following tips for safety during a tornado:
* The best places in homes or small buildings during a tornado are: in the basement away from the west and south wall; a small, windowless, first floor, interior room like a closet or bathroom; a hall; or under a heavy worktable or under the stairs to protect against crumbling walls or other large debris.
* Old blankets, quilts and an unused mattress should be stored in the shelter area and will protect against flying debris.
General tips include:
* Post your address on your house or mailbox so that it is visible from the street.
* Be prepared for potential emergencies. Check the batteries in your radio and flashlight. Keep a fresh supply of canned food and bottled water.
* Post emergency phone numbers (9-1-1) and your address by all phones.
At Oxford Schools, several times a year they practice fire and tornado drills and evacuation procedures. In the event of severe weather conditions, parents are encouraged to listen to local radio stations.
To be alert of any emergency closings, parents can call the school district emergency phone line at 248-969-5070, visit www.oxford.k12.mi.us or visit www.cancellations.com and type in the district zip code 48371 and select Oxford Community Schools.
Parents can also register at the school site for any automatic e-mails in case of any closings or delays.