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Friday, April 29, 2011

Milder tornado season forecast for 2011

BY JAMES COBURN CNHI News Service

The spring tornado outlook for Oklahoma is expected to be similar to six trend-matching La Niña years, said Steven Root, WeatherBank president and CEO. WeatherBank, at one time, employed one of the largest groups of meteorologists of any private weather company in the world.

Then, weather forecasting services were provided to a myriad of industry markets, including transportation, and most major natural gas and utility companies in North America. Today, WeatherBank’s owners and principal scientists apply its exhaustive database and proprietary technology toward wind farm development.

No tornadoes were observed in Oklahoma during January and February, Root said. Slow to start, this year should bring a total of 44 torna-

does, he said.

This year will be a less active season than the most recent five-year average of 53 tornadoes, 10year average of 54 tornadoes and the 30- year average of 57 tornadoes, Root said of statistics provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The month of May is expected to peak with 18 tornadoes, followed by an active June, with 12 tornadoes.

“I expect a fall 2011 to be benign, with no late year peak,” he said.

The fewest Oklahoma tornadoes occurred in 1988 having a total that year of 18. The largest number of tornadoes in any year occurred in 1999, with a total of 143; 1999 also contained the F5 tornado that devastated Moore on May 3 causing well more than $1 billion in damage.

Since last July, Edmond’s weather has been dominated by a La Niña condition, a state of cold sea surface tempera-

tures occurring across the equatorial Pacific Ocean.

El Niño and La Niña rep-

“Measurements range from -3.5 (La Niña) to +3.5 (El Niño), the most recent

matching this criteria; 1988-89, 1973-74, 1970-71, 1964-65, 1954-55 and 1949-

GRAPH SOURCE: WEATHERBANK

resent opposite extremes in the southern oscillation cycle.

“I keep track of this index, since extremes in the index can, and often times does, precede radically changing and extreme weather here in Oklahoma,” Root said.

measurement of this indexmade at the end of February and was found to be -1.523.”

Root compared the current La Niña event with all others since 1949.

“Using publicly available data sets I isolated six past La Niña events

50,” Root said.

“Since October 2010, the main storm track or jet stream has had a persistent tendency to form lower pressures along or just off the California coastline,” Root said.

“With this pattern, much of the southwestern

United States, especially the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the central Rockies have been inundated with storminess.

When the center of storm activity shifts eastward, say to near Colorado Springs and Albuquerque (especially during spring), Oklahoma’s tornado count increases.”

A typical La Niña pattern brings colder than normal temperatures in these regions and less than normal precipitation. In contrast, a La Niña pattern in Oklahoma is usually warmer and drier than normal, Root continued. Oklahoma City’s weather conditions from Oct. 1 through March 12 was warmer than normal with a +0.8 degree F. Oklahoma City also was drier than normal with - 6.08 inches of precipitation.

La Niña will continue as the dominant weather feature well into the Oklahoma summer, Root said.

Insurance commissioner urges spring storm preparation CNHI News Service

OKLAHOMA CITY — The start of spring traditionally marks the start of severe weather season and an increased risked risk of property damage from wind, rain, hail, floods and tornadoes, Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak reminded Oklahomans on Tuesday.

“Records show that two-thirds of Oklahoma’s tornadoes occur from March to

May,” Doak said.

“While tornadoes may have the highest potential for significant widespread damage, the high winds, heavy rains and flooding that often accompanies spring storms can cause great damage to personal and business property.”

Doak said one of the first steps to prepare for spring storms is to conduct an insurance checkup to make certain an individual or business

has the right coverage and for the right amounts.

“Often, people don’t think much about their insurance policies once they have purchased them,” Doak explained, “but things can change.

Your home or business’ value may have increased or maybe you have added on.

You may have purchased new items for your home.

These things can

increase your insurance needs, so it important to check to see that you have the right coverage at the proper level for your home or business.”

Doak said three questions should be asked: • What type of coverage do I have?

• How much coverage do I need?

• What are my discounts and deductibles?

“Your insurance agent or company will

be happy to discuss your policy with you and make recommendations for changes in your coverage,” Doak said.

The insurance commissioner also reminded Oklahomans to take steps to protect their personal safety as the severe storm season nears.

“The Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management suggests that families, individuals and busi-

nesses create an emergency plan,” Doak said. “Families should also prepare an emergency supply kit and everyone should identify the safest places to go at home and work in the event of severe weather.”

More information on preparing before an emergency strikes can be found on the Office of Emergency Management’s Web site, www.oem.ok.gov.

Friday, April 29, 2011

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Tornado safety tips for motorists Special to the Transcript

AAA Oklahoma offers the following tips for motorists who find themselves in a motor vehicle when a tornado warning is issued.

Leave your vehicle immediately and seek shelter.

Never try to outrun a tornado. Your vehi-

cle will offer no protection from a twister. Plus, it is impossible to know which direction a tornado may decide to go.

Seek shelter indoors. A basement is safest. Closets or small interior rooms are best. Get under a sturdy piece of furni-

ture or mattress and stay away from south and west walls and all windows.

If you are caught in the open, with no indoor buildings available to you, find a ditch, ravine or low-lying area and lie flat. Stay away from roadway overpasses.

Do not seek shel-

ter in a mobile home.

These structures, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned.

A “tornado warning” means a twister is developing or is actually on the ground. It is more severe than a “torna-

do watch,” which means conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms, which may or may not spawn tornadoes.

Remember, wet roads mean poor traction. Conditions are most dangerous during the first ten

minutes of a heavy downpour as oil and debris wash away.

Driving on wet roads in the rain is just like driving on ice. Take it easy. Allow extra time.

Never use your motor vehicle’s cruise control feature in rainy weather.

per day). Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Replace every 6 months.

• A 3- to 5-day supply of nonperishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener.

• A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.

• Blankets, bedding or sleeping bags.

• A first aid kit and prescription medications (be sure to check expiration dates).

• An extra pair of glasses or contact lenses and solution.

• Special items for infants, the elderly or family members with disabilities.

• A battery-powered radio, a flashlight and extra batteries.

Identify Your Safest Place at Home, Work Before an emergency strikes, take time to identify

your safest place at home, at work and at school. Many people have survived strong tornadoes in a closet or small interior room without windows. Usually the safest place will be on the lowest floor. If you live in a mobile home, identify the nearest sturdy building – it may not be safe to remain in a mobile home during a storm.

At schools, offices and hospitals, preparedness plans are especially important due to the large number of people on hand and the large amount of glass at many sites. Know the safest place for you to shelter in place and make sure others know their assigned location as well. At shopping malls, indoor pools and gymnasiums, long spanning buildings are commonly found. These locations can be dangerous because

the entire roof can been supported by the outside walls. If caught in such an open building, the restroom may be the best place to take shelter.

If possible, one of the best ways to prepare for survival in Tornado Alley states like Oklahoma is to build or install a SafeRoom in your home or workplace. Your local emergency manager or homebuilders association will have information about SafeRooms. Plan how to get to your safest place, and share the information with your family.

After the Storm Once severe weather has passed, be prepared for possible flooding to occur. Also, watch for downed power lines and never drive into high water.

Before an emergency strikes Create an emergency plan Steps to take in creating a household emergency plan include: • Schedule a family meeting to discuss the dangers of possible emergency events including fire, severe weather, hazardous spills and terrorism.

• Discuss how you and your family will respond to each possible emergency.

• Discuss what to do in case of power outages or personal injuries.

• Draw a floor plan of your home and mark two escape routes from each room.

• Because it is often easier to call long distance during an emergency than within the affected area, choose an out-of-state friend or relative whom all family members will call if separated during an emergency.

• Pick two meeting places – one near your home and one outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after an emergency. * Keep family records in a water- and fireproof safe. Inexpensive models can be purchased at most hardware stores.

Watches and Warnings Oklahomans are reminded that tornadoes can occur any time of year. Knowing the difference between watches and warnings can help save lives.

A TORNADO WATCH means tornadoes are possible.

A TORNADO WARNING means a tornado has been sighted.

When a TORNADO WARNING is issued, take shelter in a basement, away from windows. If there is

no basement, go to an interior room, like a closet, on the ground floor.

Prepare a Disaster Supply Kit Electricity, water, heat, air conditioning or telephone service may not work in an emergency.

Preparing disaster supply kits in advance can save precious time in the event you must evacuate or go without utilities for an extended period.

Store items for a “go” kit in an easy-to-carry bag and keep in a car or in the garage. The “home” kit can be stored in a plastic tub or garbage can and kept in your home’s safest place where you will take shelter.

Consider including the following items when putting together your disaster supply kit: • At least a 3-day supply of water (1 gallon per person

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Friday, April 29, 2011

Alliance works to prevent tornado deaths Feb. 2009 storm system inspired action, effort

BY MARK SCHLACHTENHAUFEN CNHI News Service

A state lawmaker and a manufactured housing association have joined forces to prevent tornado deaths.

As part of the effort, a former Edmond fire official now working for Oklahoma County is working on related sample emergency plans.

The Manufactured Housing Association of Oklahoma board of directors has

accepted the recommendation of state Rep. Pat Ownbey, R-Ardmore, to help provide sample emergency plans for mobile home communities to prevent deaths in the event of a tornado or other disaster.

Since the organization has voluntarily agreed to do what he had proposed in a bill last year, he does not plan to push the legislation again, Ownbey said.

Ownbey said his concern always has been for the safety of residents in manufactured housing parks, and he filed legislation after a tornado in Februay 2009 killed seven people in a Lone Grove mobile home park.

A storm associated with

the same system spawned the Feb. 10, 2009, tornado that damaged homes in north Edmond. It also produced tornadoes in Oklahoma City, Pawnee and Wilson.

The Lone Grove tornado was rated an EF-4, and initial assessments showed the damage path was about 4 miles long and a half-mile wide. The Edmond tornado was rated an EF-2.

Ownbey’s legislation gained support in the Legislature but failed to make it through the full process before the last days of session, Ownbey said. After it failed, he sought the support of the Manufactured Housing Association.

“My concern, along with

the association, was that my bill would have inadvertently created a liability for manufactured housing parks,” Ownbey said.

The Manufactured Housing Association of Oklahoma Board of Directors agreed to Ownbey’s recommendation on Dec. 13.

Ownbey said the Manufactured Housing Association of Oklahoma will partner with the Oklahoma Emergency Management Association and implement a program to get the word out to the estimated 600 mobile home communities throughout Oklahoma.

The two organizations will send a sample emergency plan to each community and encourage the

owners to enlist the assistance of local or county emergency management officials to help assist with developing a voluntary plan to address any natural or man-made disaster.

David Barnes, director of Oklahoma County Emergency Management, is working with the Manufactured Housing Association on the sample plans. He said ensuring residents have access to multiple sources of information on weather conditions and knowledge of where they can go in the event of a disaster is crucial.

“We’re looking at a couple of primary factors,” Barnes said. “One is awareness. It is extremely impor-

tant that people can access multiple sources of information regarding weather conditions and warnings.”

The other is people need to know is where a close source of shelter is, Barnes said.

Barnes said that programmable all-hazard radios are inexpensive and allow individuals to program codes specific to where they live to get local weather information. He said personal electronic devices now have access to warnings and weather updates.

Ownbey said he is confident that this collaboration will lead to greater safety for mobile home and manufactured home residents.

isfaction.

• Be cautious in dealing with a contractor who asks for a large down payment.

• Ask contractors if they have done this type of repair work before, if they will be purchasing necessary permits, and if the work will be inspected.

• Avoid making final payment until you have received a lien release. When filing insurance claims: • Report all property damage to your insurance agent immediately.

Your agent should provide you with claim forms and arrange for an insurance adjuster to visit your property

and assess the damage.

•Make emergency repairs and document them.

Keep all receipts and take photographs of the damages, before and after emergency repairs, to submit with your claim.

• Take precautions if the damages require you to leave your home. Secure your property.

Remove valuable items. Lock windows and doors. Contact your insurance agent and leave a phone number where you can be reached.

Remember to update this contact information if you have to relocate further

“People impacted by disasters can be particularly vulnerable,” said OEM Director Albert Ashwood.

“This important information can help them move forward in the recovery process and also prevent them from being victimized twice.”

OEM encourages anyone who believes he or she may have witnessed fraudulent activity to report it immediately. In addition to the local better business bureau, reports may be made to the Oklahoma Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit at 405- 521-2029 or online at www.oag.state.ok.us.

Tips for avoiding fraud OEM tells how tornado victims can protect themselves from being victimized twice CNHI News Service

In the wake of a disaster, it is common to see the generous side human nature. Unfortunately, the sinister side also shows its presence. That’s why the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is informing residents to be aware of possible scams fromunscrupulous contractors and others who often target victims during this stressful time.

OEM recommends individuals use the same responsible business practices they would during non-disaster times in dealing with and selecting contractors during disaster times.

This includes: • Be extremely cautious of anyone coming to your home uninvited and offering to do home repairs.

• Be alert to individuals canvassing your neighborhood in an unmarked van or truck.

• Insist on obtaining a written estimate or contract.

• Be sure the contract or business card has an address, telephone number and

license numbers.

All contractors doing business in the state are required to register. While not a guarantee of performance, registration does mean the contractor has minimal liability insurance and a surety bond that can protect the consumer if there is a problem.

• Ask for references and check them out.

• Don’t be pressured into making a quick decision.

• Obtain three separate bids on the job.

• Insist on start and completion dates in the contract, and do not pay the final balance until the work is completed to your sat-

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Secure roof overhead (MS) — Whether you live in Tornado Alley, a hurricane zone or the snow-saturated northeast, it’s essential to have a durable roof overhead to protect your family and valuables.

“Being safe and secure comes as a result of selecting the right building products for your home,” says Ray Rosewall, president and CEO of DaVinci Roofscapes(R). “There were 1,156 tornados recorded in 2009 nationwide plus countless hail storms resulting from severe weather. The force of hail hitting a roof that has a low impact rating can destroy it within minutes.

IImpact- and fire-resistant, synthetic slate black roofing tiles help protect the home during severe weather.

“If you live in an area prone to severe weather, then you need to seriously consider investing in an impactresistant synthetic roof

to protect your home.”

Standard slate and shingle style roofing tiles manufactured by DaVinci are Class 4 impact rated, meeting

the UL 2218 Impact Test. “Average-sized hail stones literally bounce off these roofing tiles,” says Rosewall.

In addition to resisting major impacts, the eco-friendly roofing tiles are fire resistant.

This helps protect a home from the spread of wildfires and can help lower homeowner insurance premiums.

Made of virgin resins, the synthetic roofing tiles include state-of-theart color and ultraviolet stabilizers and inorganic pigments that are safe for the environment. The tiles have successfully been tested to resist straight line winds at 110 mph, which can be a source of roof damage in winddriven rain. All company products meet Florida Building Code (FBC) qualifications and some have been

tested to Category 5 strength hurricanes zone force windows which are greater than 155 mph.

“Selecting a synthetic roof represents an investment in your home and the security of your family,” says Rosewall. “Slate and shake polymer roofing tiles are virtually maintenance free and far more cost effective than the natural product.

Their ability to help protect a home’s structure, while also being 100 percent recyclable, are two features that transform many homeowners into synthetic roofing tile advocates.”

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