FEMA issues advice for tornado season

Lynn Walker, Wichita Falls Times Record News
·2 min read

The U.S. has seen at least 75 deaths from tornadoes so far during 2023 and on Tuesday the Storm Prediction Center warned of the likelihood of more dangerous storms. North Texas has been spared deadly storms so far this year, but the area has a history of dangerous tornadoes, especially during April.

More: Wichita Falls' tornado history shows April to be a perilous month

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Although the Wichita Falls vicinity does not appear to be in the bull's-eye for severe weather this week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is offering advice in advance of any threatening weather that might occur this season.

At the top of the list is having multiple ways to be alerted to weather emergencies. The digital age provides a multitude of apps for smart phones and other devices that can provide rapid warning. Here are a few of them:

  1. The FEMA app (Free) https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products#download

  2. Storm Shield app (Free) https://www.stormshieldapp.com/

  3. Emergency Alerts (Free from American Red Cross) https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps.html

  4. Weather Bug (Free) https://www.weatherbug.com/appdownload/

  5. Storm Radar (Free from Weather Channel) https://weather.com/

  6. AlertSense (Free) https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/

Additionally, the broadcast television stations in the Wichita Falls area actively follow severe weather with live alerts and the City of Wichita Falls maintains a warning siren system to alert people who are outdoors or may be away from notification devices.

FEMA also has these suggestions for severe weather season:

  • Make sure to have an emergency kit that includes non-perishable food, cash, charging devices, medicines, a flashlight and batteries in case of power outages.

  • Older adults and people with disabilities may need extra assistance to prepare for the storm.

  • Consider pets. Many pets get loose when fences and outdoor shelters are blown down.

  • Check neighbors and be willing to share storm shelters if possible.

  • Prepare property for dangerous weather by clearing out any large or loose materials, removing dead trees, hanging branches and loose objects that could be dangerous during severe winds.

  • Create an emergency plan with your family so each member knows what to do and where to go during an emergency.

Although Wichita Falls has been spared tornado strikes over the past four decades, the city has experienced three major tornado events in past years, all in April: 1963, 1964 and 1979.

More: Memories of deadly 'Terrible Tuesday' remain 40 years after tornado's wrath

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: FEMA issues advice for tornado season