North Texas weather can change rapidly and with little warning.  Either a severe weather “watch” or “warning” can be issued by the National Weather Service (NWS)  when atmospheric conditions are right for the development of a possible tornados and/or thunderstorms.

Warning - A product issued by NWS indicating that a particular weather hazard is either imminent or has been spotted and reported. A warning indicates the need to take action to protect life and property until the danger passes.
Watch - A NWS product indicating a particular hazard is possible, that conditions are more favorable than usual for the development of severe weather.  Be alert for changing weather, listen for further information.  “Watch the sky.”

TORNADOES
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from the base of a thunderstorm. A condensation funnel does not need to reach to the ground for a tornado to be present; a debris cloud beneath a thunderstorm is all that is needed to confirm the presence of a tornado, even in the total absence of a condensation funnel.

When a tornado is approaching, there are only minutes to make life-and-death decisions.  Advances in weather radar technology have improved forecasters' ability to identify storms likely to spawn tornados.

Safety Tips

• Monitor National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) radio or local media (TV, radio, internet) for information.
• Move to a small interior room away from windows when a tornado warning is issued or a tornado is imminent.
• Have disaster supplies on hand (flashlight, food/water, battery-operated radio, etc.) in an easily portable container, such as a backpack. 
• Designate a safe shelter area if you live in a mobile or manufactured home.
• Make the designation with help from your neighbors and the owner/manager of the mobile home park or community.
• Lie flat in the nearest depression, ditch or culvert if outdoors and unable to get to shelter.  Cover your head with your arms to shield from flying debris.
• Get out of vehicles immediately and seek shelter in a building, if time permits, or move to a ditch or culvert away from the vehicle.  Never try to outrun a tornado. 
• Take shelter in an interior hallway on a lower floor away from windows or glass when you're in a large building, such as a mall or auditorium.

THUNDERSTORMS
The NWS issues Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for a particular county, or portions of it, when dangerous winds and damaging hail are likely to exceed the thresholds known to cause significant damage to well-built structures or cause bodily harm. These storms produce hail 3/4-inch or greater and have winds in excess of 58 miles per hour.

Hail that is dime size or greater can produce dents in the tops of vehicles, damage roofs, break windows and cause significant bodily injury. Hailstones can form to softball size and fall at speeds in excess of 100 mph.

Tornadoes and straight-line winds may be seen.  Straight-line winds from a thunderstorm can produce widespread damage similar to that of a tornado. Straight-line winds have been measured in excess of 120 miles per hour, or equivalent to an F2 Tornado.

Safety Tips  

• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio for "Severe Thunderstorm Watches or Warnings." 
• Avoid driving into severe thunderstorms or consider delaying travel.
• Go to a small interior room on the lowest floor of your home, school, or business when severe thunderstorms threaten our community.
• Have disaster supplies on hand (flashlight, food/water, battery-operated radio, etc.)
• Move animals into shelter, and vehicles into garages to prevent damage, if time permits.

FLOODS & FLASH FLOODING
Floods can develop slowly during an extended period of rain or others, such as flash floods, can occur quickly, even without any visible signs of rain. It’s important to be prepared for flooding no matter where you live, but particularly if you are in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even a very small stream or dry creek bed can overflow and create flooding.

Safety Tips

• Never drive through a flooded area. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way.
• Abandon vehicles stalled in rapidly rising flood water and move to higher ground immediately.
• Avoid walking through flooded areas.  As little as 6 inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off your feet.
• Watch for animals, especially snakes. Many animals lose their homes during flooding and may seek shelter in yours.
• The best protection during a flash flood is to leave the flooding area and move to higher ground.

Disaster Preparedness

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

Water 

• One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
• Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water.
• If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary.
• Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
• Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.

Food

• Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
• Pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.
• Avoid salty foods, as they will make you thirsty.
• Choose foods your family will eat.
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Peanut butter
• Dried fruit
• Nuts
• Crackers
• Canned juices
• Non-perishable pasteurized milk
• High energy foods
• Vitamins
• Food for infants
• Comfort/stress foods

First aid kit
In any emergency a family member or you yourself may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. If you have these basic supplies you are better prepared to help your loved ones when they are hurt. Remember, many injuries are not life threatening and do not require immediate medical attention. Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. Consider taking a first aid class, but simply having the following things can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination.

• Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex).
• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.
• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect.
• Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
• Burn ointment to prevent infection.
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.
• Thermometer
• Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies.
• Whistle to signal for help
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid (for upset stomach)
• Laxative
• Cell Phone

Tools and Supplies

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries 
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Compass
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from http://www.ready.gov/
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
• Pet food and extra water for your pet

Clothing and Bedding
Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person:

• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Rain gear
• Hats and gloves
• Thermal underwear
• Sunglasses
• Blankets or sleeping bags

Special Needs
Remember the unique needs of your family members when making your emergency supply kit and family emergency plan.

For Baby:

• Formula
• Diapers
• Bottles
• Powdered milk
• Medications
• Moist towelettes
• Diaper rash ointment

For Adults:

• Ask your doctor about storing prescription medications such as heart and high blood pressure medication, insulin and other prescription drugs.
• Denture needs
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Extra eye glasses