THE NATIONAL WEATHER CENTER IN NORMAN HOSTS THE NATIONAL WEATHER FESTIVAL EACH FALL.
Weather Wise
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Preparing kids for storm season BY TANYA SCHOOR. PHOTOS PROVIDED.
Spring storm season in Oklahoma: a time that evokes a sense of wonder and fascination for many of us, but a time fraught with anxiety and stress for others. How can we help our children navigate this time with confidence, prepared to face whatever challenges Mother Nature might throw our way?
Know the lingo Rick Smith with the National Weather Service in Norman suggests responding to storm anxiety by embracing the idea that “knowledge is power.” For many kids, learning about storms can make them seem less frightening and help remove some of their
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stigma. Having more information increases confidence and provides a little more control. “There are a lot of adults who have some form of storm anxiety,” said Smith. “Many of them have had a bad experience with a tornado or other severe weather in the past, and their fear increases whenever severe weather is in the forecast. It’s interesting that a lot of meteorologists who study storms today say that their interest in severe weather began when they were afraid of storms as kids.” As the warning coordination meteorologist, Smith has spent several years focusing on storm anxiety and supporting both his staff and community members through major severe weather events. Explaining the lingo used by experts during storm season can provide kids a better grasp on thunderstorms. For example, the National Weather Service defines a severe thunderstorm as one that produces hail at
least 1 inch in diameter (about the size of a quarter — examine one together to imagine hail that size!), wind gusts of 58 mph or more and/or a tornado. When a storm threatens, watches and warnings are issued to help us prepare. A watch means severe weather is possible during a certain time frame. A warning means the threat is imminent and safety preparations should be underway.
Outline severe weather plans If a tornado warning is issued, do you know where to go? “Preparedness is key,” said Brandi Farris, emergency manager for Oklahoma City Public Schools. “If kids know the adults around them have a plan and they are involved they will feel more secure.”
