Restocking for Resilience: Prepare for Ohio's 2nd Tornado Season After Hurricane Helene
As the remnants of Hurricane Helene passed through our area this week, many of us were reminded of the importance of staying prepared. Some of you may have used your emergency supplies—whether it was batteries for flashlights, first-aid kits, or food and water—during the storm. Now is the time to restock those items and ensure you're ready for the next potential disaster.
Ohio's tornado season, "Part 2," is approaching, and with the unpredictable weather patterns we've been experiencing, it's crucial to make sure you're well-prepared.
Restocking Emergency Supplies After Hurricane Helene
If you used any of your preparedness items during the passing of Hurricane Helene, now is the perfect time to restock. Key items to focus on include:
Batteries: Check your flashlights, radios, and any other battery-operated devices.
Non-perishable food: If you used any canned goods or packaged foods, replace them.
Water: Make sure you have at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household.
First-aid kits: Replenish any bandages, medications, or other supplies that were used.
Fuel and propane: If you used generators during the storm, now is the time to restock fuel or propane tanks. Keeping your generator ready is key to ensuring power when you need it most.
Personal items: Consider any unique needs of family members, such as medications or pet supplies.
By restocking now, you'll be ready for whatever comes next, including Ohio's tornado season "Part 2", which typically spans from October to December.
Ohio Tornadoes: October to December
Ohio’s tornado season "Part 2" brings unique challenges, with tornadoes occurring in the cooler months of October, November, and sometimes into early December. Tornadoes during this season are often associated with powerful cold fronts moving through the region, causing strong thunderstorms capable of spawning tornadoes.
Here in Clinton County, we have seen examples of how these off-season tornadoes can
affect us. On October 26, 2010, an EF-0 tornado touched down just south of Sabina. The tornado had a path length of 4 miles, moving from southwest to northeast, and while it was a weaker tornado, it still caused property damage and disruption in its wake. This historical example highlights the importance of being prepared even during the cooler months.
Here are some important facts about Ohio tornadoes that occur in this period:
Time of Occurrence: The majority of tornadoes in Ohio during this time occur in the late afternoon to early evening, usually between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM. The peak time is often around 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM when atmospheric conditions are most volatile due to the day's heating.
Note: Tornadoes can occur at any time and location when the conditions are favorable. Always be weather aware!
Fujita Scale Ratings: Most tornadoes in Ohio during this period are rated as EF0 to EF2 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. While these tornadoes are typically weaker than the devastating EF4 or EF5 tornadoes seen in other parts of the country, they can still cause significant damage, particularly to homes, trees, and power lines.
Power Outage Preparedness: Stay Ahead of the Next Storm
As we move into tornado season, one of the most common and disruptive consequences of severe weather is a power outage. Whether due to strong winds, fallen trees, or infrastructure damage, power outages can last anywhere from a few hours to several days.
Here are a few key steps to prepare for the possibility of a power outage:
Build a Power Outage Cooler
One simple but effective tip to prepare for a power outage is to create a power outage cooler during your next weather impact day. This cooler should be stocked with drinks, snacks, and any items you may need that don't require refrigeration. Why is this important? Every time you open the refrigerator or freezer during a power outage, warm air enters, causing the temperature to rise and shortening the safe time for your food and medications.
Cooler Contents:
Bottled water
Non-perishable snacks like granola bars, crackers, or trail mix
Ready-to-drink juice boxes or sports drinks
Soft drinks
A small amount of shelf-stable snacks for children or special dietary needs
By using a power outage cooler, you’ll limit the need to open your fridge and freezer, extending the time your food stays safe. Remember, refrigerated food is safe for about 4 hours during a power outage, and frozen food can last up to 48 hours in a full freezer (24 hours in a half-full one) if the doors remain closed.
General Power Outage Preparedness Tips:
Charge devices ahead of time: If a storm is forecasted, make sure your phones, laptops, and portable chargers are fully charged.
Have a backup power source: Consider having a portable generator or at least a hand-crank or battery-powered radio.
Know how to safely store medications: Some medications, such as insulin, require refrigeration. Make sure you know how long they can be safely stored at room temperature and have a backup plan in case of extended outages.
Alternative lighting: Stock up on flashlights and candles, but be cautious with open flames. LED lanterns and battery-powered lights are safer options.
Be Ready for Ohio's Tornado Season, Part 2
As we move into Ohio’s secondary tornado season, now is the time to act. Use the aftermath of Hurricane Helene as a reminder to ensure you and your family are well-prepared.
By restocking your emergency supplies and following best practices for power outage preparedness, you'll be ready for whatever challenges the weather brings in the months ahead. Don’t wait—get prepared today!
Review: Selecting the Best Shelter Location in Your Home for a Tornado
When a tornado warning is issued, knowing the safest place to take shelter in your home can save lives. Here are some quick tips to help you choose the best location:
Go to the lowest level: The basement is the safest place to be during a tornado. If you don't have a basement, move to the lowest floor of your home.
Seek an interior room: Choose a small, windowless room or hallway in the center of your home, away from exterior walls and windows. Bathrooms, closets, or under a stairwell are ideal spots.
Avoid windows and doors: Flying debris can shatter windows, so stay far from them.
Protect yourself: Use blankets, helmets, or even a mattress to shield yourself from flying debris. Crouch down and cover your head and neck to protect from injuries.
You should never shelter in a pre-fabricated or mobile home during a tornado.
Pre-fabricated and mobile homes are highly vulnerable to high winds and can be easily damaged or destroyed by even weak tornadoes. Instead, if you live in a mobile home or pre-fabricated structure, it is critical to have a plan in advance to relocate to a more sturdy, permanent shelter, such as a storm shelter, a family member's or neighbor’s home when severe weather is forecasted or a tornado warning is issued.
Remember, preparation and knowing where to go can make all the difference when a tornado strikes. Stay safe, and always have a plan.
Why are there no public shelters in Clinton County? The reason why is generally due to a combination of funding, space, ownership, liability, and access concerns. Establishing and maintaining such shelters can be costly, with limited local budgets often prioritizing more immediate needs. Additionally, finding suitable, centrally located spaces is a challenge, as potential sites often have dual purposes or owners with competing interests. Liability is another significant issue, as managing the safety and security of the shelter falls on the owner or operator, raising concerns about responsibility during and after an event. When not in use, community shelters are often repurposed for storage, which limits their availability and compromises their intended function. Keeping them open without supervision can invite misuse, vandalism, or other illicit activities, creating new hazards that may jeopardize the safety of those seeking refuge when a tornado strikes. These factors together make community shelters an impractical solution for the county at this time.
Ultimately, you are the best person to take care of yourself and your family, and now is the time to ensure you're prepared for the next gray sky event before it strikes.
Stay safe, Clinton County, and keep an eye on the weather as we head into this unpredictable time of year.
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