Disaster Alerts During Severe Weather Events

In this week’s episode, we touch on several tornado outbreaks in sections of the U.S. The alerts included a Tornado Warning in co-host Jamie Davis’ home location. Emergency Disaster Management expert Becky DePodwin shares with us how the FEMA wireless emergency alert system is activated and who is in charge of it.

The text of the severe weather alert co-host Jamie Davis received (edited for privacy):

* At 1024 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a
tornado was located over Rock Springs, or 10 miles north of Havre
De Grace, moving east at 15 mph.

HAZARD…Tornado.

SOURCE…Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT…For those in the direct path of a tornado touchdown,
flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Damage to roofs, siding, and windows may occur.
Mobile homes may be damaged or destroyed. Tree damage is
likely.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

On the show this week joining co-hosts Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis were meteorologist Dan DePodwin and disaster emergency management expert Becky DePodwin.

Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.