Prepare for Severe Weather
Each year brings the potential for violent weather to our community. Flooding, tornadoes, hail, windstorms and other emergencies can happen at any time. For this reason, the City of Farmers Branch urges everyone to prepare for severe weather events and learn what to do to protect themselves from the devastating effects of severe weather.
The most important thing residents can do to stay safe and protect loved ones from severe weather is to be prepared. First, know the difference between watches and warnings:
Watches
Severe Weather Watches mean that severe weather is possible in the area. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or television networks for further information.
Warnings
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm. Once there is a warning or threatening skies, take shelter before the storm arrives.
Flood or Flash Flood Warnings mean that a flood or flash flood is occurring or will occur in the area very soon. Avoid walking, swimming or driving in flood waters. Stay away from high water, storm drains, ditches, ravines or culverts. Even six-inch-deep water, if moving swiftly, can knock down an adult.
Tornado Warnings mean that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. People in a warning area should take action right away.
- Go immediately to a safe location in the home or building
- Move to the lowest level of the structure to an interior bathroom, closet or hallway, and away from windows or glass doors
- If in a vehicle, get out of the vehicle and seek shelter in a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a low spot away from the vehicle
- In a high-rise building, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building, on the lowest floor
Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible. Remain alert for signs of an approaching tornado such as dark, often greenish sky, large hail or a loud roar similar to a freight train.
Additionally, to alert residents and visitors of severe weather, the City of Farmers Branch operates an Outdoor Warning System. It is designed to provide warning to anyone outdoors. Those hearing the alarm must seek shelter immediately. Emergency communications personnel will only activate the sirens when dangerous situations such as tornadic activity threaten the City or when the system undergoes its monthly test on the first Wednesday of every month at 1:00 p.m. This is also the test time for surrounding cities. The City will not hold an audible test on cloudy days. If it is cloudy and overcast on a regular test day and the sirens are heard, it is most likely an actual alert. The City will only test the siren on a regular scheduled test day, when the skies are clear.
If the siren is heard, and it is NOT a test day:
- Tune to local television or radio for more information
- Do not call 911
- Take cover immediately if severe weather exists
To obtain information on local severe weather, the Fire Department recommends the purchase of a NOAA Weather Radio. Otherwise, stay tuned to local television and/or radio broadcasts for information. On local cable TV, the public emergency alert system will break into regular programming if there are serious threats to the area. Please do not call 911 for information (this may prevent emergencies from getting the attention they need).
Family members could be anywhere when severe weather occurs — at home, work, school or in the car. Parents should educate themselves about the disaster plans at the workplace, children’s school and other places. Family meetings can help everyone understand what to do if severe weather occurs.