Remember the basics

Having had several severe thunderstorms this summer has taught us a lot. Some are good things like the fact that storms seem to miss us more than they hit us. Some are bad, like hail dents cars and destroys windows and roofs and siding and chops up crops in the fields.

But one thing I learned was that people need to remember the basics. Phone apps and CodeRED messages and Sirens are great tools but they will never replace being aware of your surroundings and alert for signs of danger.

Thunder is often the first clue we get. You are in the garage or the kitchen or floating the river and you just haven’t noticed that big black cloud bearing down on you. Boom. Hello? I’m over here and I’m coming. That’s the message. You will hear thunder when a storm is over ten miles away. That should give you at least 30 minutes to gather up all your stuff and move to a safe spot. I have a theory that almost everybody that was ever struck and killed by lightning was thinking, “I shouldn’t be here” just before they were struck. Yet how long had they listened to that storm coming?

Here in Hot Springs County we do our best to alert the public when the National Weather Service in Riverton issues a Warning. Property damage and loss of life can occur in any thunderstorm. But understand, a thunderstorm that achieves severe status is a beast which is out to kill you. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are not issued until certain criteria are met. NWS Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are sent out when a storm is capable of winds over 58mph and hail over 1” (quarter size). Severe thunderstorms are where tornadoes come from as well.

So what was meant with “…remember the basics?” Even with all of our bells and whistles, phone apps, radar images, sirens and CodeRED messages, it is still totally up to each of us to keep our eyes and ears open, be alert and make good decisions for our safety and those around us. Because you have not heard a siren does not mean the beast is not coming. You can see it is coming. If you are still putting tools away when the rain is pouring and the lightning is crackling, you waited too long. Trust your eyes. Trust your senses. If they are telling you, “I shouldn’t be here” then take cover. Don’t wait. Just do it.