Fall is here — it’s time to go back to school! While it’s great to see your friends again, fall is full of weather hazards, including floods, heat, lightning and tornadoes.
Don’t let bad weather catch you unprepared. Make sure that you’re ready for the weather before you leave home. Remember these five weather tips to stay safe.
Don’t let the weather ruin your day. Be prepared for it! Doing so will keep you and your friends and family safe. Make sure that they know these five tips, too. Want to learn more about the weather? Visit weather.gov/owlie to discover more great weather science and safety information from Owlie Skywarn, the official mascot of the National Weather Service. You can also become a Young Meteorologist, print out Flat Owlie and read Owlie’s journal!
Heat: Beat the Heat!
It can be hot when the school year starts! When it gets hot, slow down. Drink plenty of water. Stay out of the sun until it cools off. Be smart and beat the heat.
Know Before You Go
Don’t get caught at the bus stop without an umbrella! Start your morning by checking your local forecast at weather.gov. It will tell you how hot or cold it will be, whether it will rain and other important information. You can check weather.gov on a computer, iPad or even a mobile phone. Know before you go!
Tornado: Take Shelter!
A tornado watch means that tornadoes are possible. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted — seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately! Make sure that you know where the tornado shelter is in your school. And always follow your teacher’s instructions when it comes time to find shelter.
Floods: Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
Flooded rivers and roads covered by water are dangerous. Even vehicles as large as a school bus can be swept away in as little as two feet of water. Do not attempt to cross. Turn around, don’t drown!
There is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area. If you hear thunder, you are in danger! Whether you’re on the playground or playing an after-school sport, go indoors immediately when you hear thunder or see lightning! When thunder roars, go indoors!
