SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS

Texas is always susceptible to severe weather and damaging storms that threaten lives and property. Whether its tornados, severe thunderstorms, lightning, or floods, stay informed and protect yourself against potential severe weather threats in your area.

There are several ways residents and visitors can be notified about an emergency and receive the latest information about an ongoing incident.

The CodeRED system is used to send emergency notifications, from evacuation notices to missing child alerts.  Residents and businesses located within Wichita Falls are encouraged to sign up for CodeRED to be sure they receive timely emergency notifications and other important information and instructions when alerts are issued.  This is our way of notifying you in an emergency situation.

When you enroll in the CodeRED system, alerts are issued to you by your geographical location.  Alerts can be sent to your cell phone, land line, by text, and even email.  You get to choose!  With CodeRED, you get the option of also receiving the CodeRED Weather Warning.   These alerts are automatically generated when the National Weather Service issues a warning for your location.  This early warning could prove to be life saving.

The CodeRED alert system is free to all residents. To sign up for CodeRED, click here.  It will only take a few minutes to enjoy a service that just may save your life.  Please tell all of your friends and family about this invaluable service. If they don’t have computer access, have them contact our office and we will be happy to assist them.

OUTDOOR WARNING SYSTEM Wichita Falls has 53 Outdoor Warning Sirens. These sirens are used to warn people who are outside during an event. This system is activated when: 1. There is a verified report of a tornado within the City limits or a verified report of a tornado that will be entering the City limits. 2. There is a verified report of sustained winds at or in excess of 58 mph. The term “sustained” is defined as three minutes long. NOTE:  It is possible that sirens may not be heard while indoors or in loud environments. If there is a threat of severe weather, please monitor local media coverage.

TESTING AND USE

The Outdoor Warning System is tested with an audible signal and silently on the first Monday of each month to ensure that they are working properly. If the weather appears threatening, this monthly test will be canceled.

The sirens can also be used as a public address system to provide a verbal message such as the status of an event or an all clear. This feature is only utilized on an incident by incident basis.

When the sirens are used, residents and visitors are advised to take shelter immediately and tune into the local TV or radio station for additional information.

MONITOR LOCAL TV AND RADIO WEATHER REPORTING Residents and visitors should monitor weather forecasts so they know when severe weather is expected and how to plan accordingly. Weather forecasts for tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, flooding, snow, ice and high winds require preparation and knowledge. NOAA weather radios and apps are also available for purchase that will alert you of severe weather. However, before making a purchase, please research the item/app and make sure that it will meet your needs.

TORNADO SAFETY TIPS

More tornadoes strike Texas than any other state. They can occur at any time of year, including winter, but are most frequent from mid-March through May. Tornados are also a common occurrence during hurricanes. Take the following precautions during tornadic activity:

• Seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of your home, such as a bathroom, closet or room without windows. Cover yourself with a mattress or cushions.
• In an office building, go to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor.
• If you are in a mobile home, get out and take shelter in a nearby building. If no shelter is available, lie flat in a ditch or ravine.
• Never stay inside a car! Get out and lie flat in a ditch or a ravine. If a building is nearby, take shelter inside. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car.
• At school, follow plans and go to a designated shelter area, usually interior hallways on the lowest floor. Avoid auditoriums, gyms and areas with wide, free-span roofs.
• In a shopping center, move towards the interior away from exterior glass walls.
• If you are in open country, take cover in a low spot away from trees.
• Remember there is a difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning. A Tornado Watch means tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar, and you must seek shelter immediately!

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AND LIGHTNING SAFETY TIPS

Texas ranks among the top states for lightning fatalities each year. Lightning can occur up to 10 miles away from a storm, and may be conducted through a number of surfaces including the ground. A direct strike is not necessary for severe injury or death to occur. Individuals in the general vicinity of a strike may experience minor to significant side effects from a strike, such as brain or cardiac damage. Always seek immediate shelter when storms approach. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!

Take the following precautions during thunderstorm and lightening activity:

• When severe storms threaten, the safest place to be is indoors.
• If you are outdoors, seek shelter in a home, large building or automobile. Do not take shelter in sheds, pavilions, tents, dugouts, or other small, open sided buildings.
• Do not take shelter under isolated trees, cliffs, or rocky overhangs.
• If you are in a vehicle roll up your windows.
• Avoid high objects that may attract lightning. Stay away from tall isolated trees, telephone poles, or communications antennas.
• Avoid being taller than your surroundings by standing on an open hilltop.
• Avoid plumbing, including sinks and faucets. Do not take a shower or bath during a lightning storm.
• Stay away from concrete floors and walls.
• Do not use the telephone unless you have a true emergency.
• If lightning begins while you are swimming or boating, get out of the water.
• If outdoors, avoid contact with metal surfaces and do not carry anything made of metal. Stay away from metal fencing and pipes, as these objects are conductors of electricity. Also, avoid contact with metal farm equipment or small metal vehicles (such as golf carts).

FLASH FLOOD SAFETY TIPS

Flash flooding is the number one weather-related killer in Texas. Nearly 50 percent of all flash flood fatalities nationwide involve vehicles. Saving your life can be as easy as turning your car around when you see water on the road. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways – Turn Around Don’t Drown (TADD).

Remember:

• Even in relatively shallow water, tires can act as flotation devices, lifting up big vehicles and sending them downstream. It takes only two feet of water to float a 3,000-pound car.
• Beware that water covering roadways may hide washed-out bridges or gouged-out roadbeds. If you attempt to drive across, you may not be driving on a road.
• In rainy weather, be alert and stay tuned to local radio or TV.
• If you are in a low-lying area when flooding is occurring, get to higher ground quickly. Be sure to avoid canyons and washes that can channel swift water.
• Do not attempt to cross-flooded roads or streams on foot. It can take as little as six inches of water to knock an adult off his or her feet. Furthermore, water may be flowing more rapidly than it appears.
• Never allow children to play near ditches and storm drains.
• During stormy weather, do not camp or park vehicles along streams or washes.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to see flood dangers.

ALWAYS BE PREPARED

Always be prepared for any severe weather or emergency that may arise. Preparing and maintaining an emergency supply kit is a simple and effective way to sustain you and your family following a disaster. Developing an emergency plan for you and your family is another way to protect yourself should a disaster occur.