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Pinterest Interest: Severe Weather

One year after tornadoes hit Joplin, Missouri and Denning and Etna, Arkansas the tornado season is much quieter.  With no local events hitting the area many are...

One year after tornadoes hit Joplin, Missouri and Denning and Etna, Arkansas the tornado season is much quieter.  With no local events hitting the area many are thankful for a calmer tornado season. Even as things cool off for severe weather this year residents should always be prepared.  Several residents in the area can attest to how quickly the weather conditions can change.

Surprisingly you can actually find some great tips to better prepare yourself for severe weather on social networking site Pinterest.

Pinterest Interest: Severe Weather
Pinterest Interest: Severe Weather

If you get in a tight spot, stay calm and use your eyes to navigate the car.

Pinterest Interest: Severe Weather

They include:

  • Be careful when entering any structure that has been damaged.
  • Be aware of hazards from exposed nails and broken glass.
  • Use battery-powered lanterns, if possible, rather than candles to light homes without electrical power. If you use candles, make sure they are in safe holders away from curtains, paper, wood, or other flammable items. Never leave a candle burning when you are out of the room.
  • Never use generators, pressure washers, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage, or camper—or even outside near an open window, door, or vent. Carbon monoxide (CO)--an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if you breathe it--from these sources can build up in your home, garage, or camper and poison the people and animals inside. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated.
  • Hang up displaced telephone receivers that may have been knocked off by the tornado, but stay off the telephone, except to report an emergency.
  • Respond to requests for volunteer assistance by police, fire fighters, emergency management, and relief organizations, but do not go into damaged areas unless assistance has been requested. Your presence could hamper relief efforts, and you could endanger yourself.

The Pin also discusses talking to your kids after a storm to help them deal with the fear they`re facing.  According to The Red Cross, Symptoms of anxiety may not appear for weeks or even months after a tornado; they can affect people of any age. If anxiety disrupts daily activities for any member of your family, seek professional assistance through a school counselor, community religious organization, your physician, or a licensed professional.

Of course when severe weather strikes, aside from these handy pins, you can always check in with 5NEWS on TV, mobile phones, LIVE Streamed online, and through Facebook.

You can follow 5NEWS Anchor Ashley Beck on Pinterest by clicking here.

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