Stay weather aware for all types of storms

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Flooding, Severe Thunderstorms, Winter Storms, and Tornados all impact our area.

But how can you stay weather aware?

Staying ready and informed of the upcoming weather is the best way to stay safe.

How do you stay prepared in flooding?

Eric Ashburn is the Deputy director of Emergency Management with Walker County. He says, “Our best advice there is to not try and drive through it. At any point in time you are not able to see the base of the roadway at that point, a current of just a couple of Knots has the power to move a normal vehicle and carry it downstream.”

What do you do if the flood is getting close to your home?

Ashburn says, “Being prepared ahead of time and move to ground before that flood entraps you is very important. Knowing your area and paying attention as those waters climb up and start to move out of the way before it blocks you in and closes those roadways.”

Tornado season is around the corner. Make sure you know the difference between a tornado warning and a tornado watch.

Ashburn says, “When we are giving out the watches it means this stuff is going but it is not positive at this time. The weather conditions are right. When you see that warning that means take cover it is coming immediately.”

Winter weather is not out of the forecast yet. Be prepared for freezing temperature and snowfall.

To stay safe in all weather, pack a ‘go bag.’

Julia Wright is the Executive Director American Red Cross for Southeast Tennessee.

She says, “You want to be ready to go in a short period of time. If it is a flooding event or a tornado, you want to be able to grab your kit and leave immediately. You are not going to have time to start getting those things together during a disaster, that is why it is called preparedness.”

In your go bag pack important medications, weather dependent clothes, and non perishable food.

Wright also suggests packing your important documents.

“If you think your home may be damaged while you are away, you may want to have those emergency documents with you. Those are things from your social security cards and other things that would be very difficult to replace after a disaster.”

There are many way to stay weather aware. Many counties have alert systems and websites to help its residents.

Another way is by purchasing a weather radio to stay alert on storms.

You can always stay up to date right here on News 12 for your latest forecast information.