Severe Weather Awareness Week Calls For Planning Ahead

This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week and serves as a reminder to be prepared for the beginning of storm season.

Jackson County EMS PIO Derek Woolbright said the anniversary of Cookeville’s March tornado falling on this week makes it even more relevant.

“Not only because it is at the forefront of our minds right now due to last year’s tragedy, but because severe weather is so common this time of year in our area,” Woolbright said. “It is of the up most importance for people to not only have a plan, but be weather aware and know when to enact.”

Woolbright said whether it is a safe room in your home or going to a neighbors basement, a safety plan should be made. Woolbright said whenever severe weather is expected, stay aware of the forecast.

“One of the biggest ones is just simply having a plan and knowing when to enact it,” Woolbright said. “When you get a severe storm system baring down on you, that is not the time to try to be developing a plan.”

Woolbright said try using a battery powered radio instead of a cell phone. Other items to consider are battery powered flashlights, bottled water and non-perishable foods.

“It’s a really good idea to have an alternate way of receiving alerts,” Woolbright said. “Whether that be a normal AM/FM radio. Whether that be a weather radio. Something that doesn’t run off power. (…) Cell phone service a lot of times that is one of the first things to drop once storms start to roll through.”

According to Nashville’s Emergency Management Office, tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time. Tennessee has peak tornado season from March through May.