Prepare for Severe Weather BEFORE It Strikes
If you ask most Arizonans why they move to the Grand Canyon state, the weather is a consistent – and positive – answer. That may soon change if Mother Nature continues to get her way.
Americans have witnessed unprecedented weather and climate disasters in the last few years. Wildfires have incinerated millions of acres of land in the West. Droughts, floods, and tornadoes continue to decimate farmland in the Midwest. Hurricanes and rising sea levels are flooding out thousands of residents along southern and eastern coastal areas.
Recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data predicts Arizona’s climate will continue to warm, leading to rising temperatures, more intense wildfires, and ongoing drought.
Scientists Say Weather Disasters Will Worsen
In 2022, natural disasters killed nearly 500 Americans and caused hundreds of billions of dollars in damages, and 2023 looks to be another year full of unprecedented weather events.
Even though the risk for natural disasters in Arizona remains low, it will get worse, according to scientists who squarely blame man-made climate change. Experts predict that these swelling disasters will get more frequent and more costly.
Surviving a Natural Disaster in Arizona
Even with advanced weather science to better predict storm conditions, Mother Nature still holds all the cards. Last year’s Hurricane Ian was the deadliest hurricane to strike Florida since 1935. And while violent storms grab all the headlines, more common severe weather like heat waves, heavy rain and lightning cause considerable casualties.
And that’s just the type of weather that Arizona residents see most often during the monsoon season. Thunderstorms can happen year-round in Arizona, but they pop up more frequently during mid-June through September. Severe thunderstorms can produce heavy rain, flash flooding, dangerous winds, hail, dust storms, and lightning.
Not only are each of those scenarios dangerous on their own, flash flooding is the number one cause of death from thunderstorms. Just six inches of water can sweep you off your feet.
While there are no guarantees, you should know how to prepare for the worst and increase your chances of survival during any type of Arizona’s severe weather.
Be Weather-Ready Before and During a Disaster
What you do long before a natural disaster strikes can tip the balance between life and death. Start with the NOAA weather and climate resources to monitor and learn more about everything from air quality, droughts, thunderstorms, flooding and dangerous winds.
Next, visit the American Red Cross to find directions on preparing for an emergency with their three-step plan: Make a survival kit, create a plan, and keep informed. You can also use their preparedness checklist or download one of their emergency apps.
Experts agree that your best bet to become weather-ready in case of a disaster is NOAA’s weather radio, a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service (NWS) office. Purchase a radio that includes an alarm for severe weather alerts and battery backup in case of a power outage. Depending on your phone, you can also enable alarms for severe weather alerts in your notification settings.
Did Severe Weather Strike Your Family? Contact Us Today.
Even with all the latest prediction technologies, no system guarantees you will have plenty of warning before severe weather strikes. For example, the average lead time between the first warning siren and a tornado is just 14 minutes!
Residents who have been affected by a natural disaster have the right to request and receive protection and assistance from the government. If you wish to discuss the specifics of your case in a free consultation with an experienced Tucson personal injury lawyer, please contact us today.