Spring Weather Tips

Written by: Melanie Benson, volunteer

In the National Capital Region, the beginning of spring draws us outdoors to enjoy cherry blossoms and warm days alongside DC’s monuments, parks and trails.  However, not all spring days are sunny and carefree.  Spring can be a time for devastating weather. It is the peak time of year for tornadoes, flooding, thunderstorms and other severe weather.

The Red Cross offers a variety of resources to educate and prepare our community against natural and manmade disasters.  By taking action now, our families can be better prepared when an emergency arises.

Be informed.  In order to be prepared, we must be educated on which emergencies are likely where we live.  Identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how you will get information.  Know actions that you can take to protect yourself and others around you during these events.  Consider taking a First Aid or CPR class.

Get a Kit.  Assemble basic supplies such as water, first aid, food, medications and flashlights. Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.

Make a plan.  Meet with your family or household members to discuss how to prepare and respond to emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work and play.  Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as a team.  During planning, choose two meeting points, alternate methods of communication and an outside of the area emergency contact.  Get your printer friendly Red Cross contact cards here.