How to Weather the Weather

Last weekend we switched to Daylight Saving Time. The changing of the time and the upcoming entry into spring will not only bring much anticipated warmer temperatures but also the potential for storms.   This is a good time to think about our preparation for stormy weather and potential flooding and loss of electrical power.

First and foremost it is always good to know when inclement weather is approaching.  Sirens and warnings are certainly valuable and important, but their seemingly intermittent and arbitrary use has caused some of us to essentially ignore their wail and cry.  Also, many of us live outside of earshot of these warnings.

The purchase of an inexpensive weather radio is not only useful, but may be a critical safety factor for you and your family.  But, you may not need to buy one if you have a smart phone.  There are several apps that, just like a weather radio, give you warning if a dangerous storm is approaching your area.  Most all of the local commercial TV stations and the Weather Channel have apps, some free of charge, that can be lifesavers. 

One of the better offerings is the Storm Shield app.  It essentially turns your phone (either iPhone or Android) into a weather radio.  You can program it for specific local forecasts and warnings or let the location feature on the phone decide what forecast is most appropriate for your current location.  In the Cincinnati area WCPO Channel 9 provides some content for Storm Shield.  The Storm Shield costs about 5 bucks.

Once a storm hits we are often faced with power outages.  Most are brief but I can remember some that lasted more than 24 hours.  The installation of a backup power generator is out of reach for most of us but that does not mean that we have to stay in the dark.  I noticed recently at Costco and other big box stores several different battery powered LED lights for sale very inexpensively.  

I bought a set of eight LED lights and put one in each room of my house.  Each light is about the size of a stack of three Oreo cookies so they can be placed inconspicuously in each room.  Some came with self- stick tape so you can affix them to the wall or ceiling.  Since the package included a small remote control, when the power goes off I can walk through the darkened house activating each light without having to locate each one and turn it on manually.  It is a pretty cool inexpensive solution.  

Speaking of batteries, this is also a great time to be sure to change those batteries in the smoke alarms. 

Reporting Mother Nature's Fury in a Digital Age

In the wake of the devastating storms that ripped through our tri-state area on March 2, the value of clear and current information was never more evident. It also showed that some of the traditional media and technologies have been enhanced or even replaced with new ones.

In mid afternoon, as the storms approached our area the local commercial TV stations did a good job of alerting viewers to the worsening conditions and using advance radar were able to pin point the areas that were most likely to experience the full wrath of the winds and rain. To provide advance warning for storms traditional radio and TV remain among the most effective tools.

It was not only the radio and TV stations that were sounding the alarm early. A review of my voice mail on returning home that evening from work showed that I had received two “robo-calls” at home from the Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency. One came in at 12:20 PM warning that conditions were worsening. The second call came at 4:17 PM indicating that there was a Tornado Warning for Harrison, and that we should take cover. While the second call proved to be inaccurate, it was comforting to have had the warnings in case we were at home and not watching or listening to the broadcast media.

Once the storms passed through and the destruction assessed, the importance of wireless technology was clear. Even with the fleets of remote trucks and portable video equipment available to the local TV stations, for hours after the storms subsided most of the on scene reporting was done with mobile phones. Pictures and video were sent back to stations and live interviews and reports aired on the TV stations using mobile phones. Most of the major damage happened in very remote rural areas or in Moscow, a town located in a very low spot along the Ohio River. This made live TV signals very difficult to set up.

WCPO, a local leader in using online technology, provided a live stream via the Internet of the reporting and weather tracking. Since many in the path of the storm may not have electricity, having this reporting available on a smart phone, tablet, lap top or other wireless portable device was invaluable.

Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook had information available in seconds. Pictures of the damage and of the actual storm were posted in almost real time. Individuals in the storm’s path but spared injury or damage were able to reassure family and loved ones. Some others were able to call for help.

As we move into the heart of the spring storm season be sure to have a weather radio turned on, your mobile phone charged and a plan for where you will go in case of the next storm. No amount of technology or warning can take the place of common sense and personal responsibility.