The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Environment Canada has designated May 30 to June 3, 2005 as Summer Severe Weather Awareness Week to remind Manitobans about the potential dangers associated with severe summer storms and to learn what to do when severe weather strikes. While we can't control the weather, we can control what we do to prepare for it. Watching the sky and knowing what to do during an extreme weather event can help to save lives and protect personal property. "Being prepared can mean the difference between life and death," says Anne-Marie Palfreeman, Environment Canada's warning preparedness meteorologist for Manitoba. "Staying tuned to Environment Canada's forecast and warning information and taking a few simple steps can ensure that Manitobans' summers are enjoyable and safe," says Palfreeman. The following safety tips offer advice on how to stay safe during severe weather events: Keep an eye on the sky! Watch for signs that a storm may be coming and take appropriate action if you feel threatened. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own safety! Listen to local radio and TV broadcasts for information and advice. Environment Canada will issue a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning if heavy rain, high winds, tornadoes or large hail are reported or expected. See 'Taking' P.# Con't from P.# Have a plan in advance. Don't go unprepared; make sure you know what to do if severe weather strikes. Choose a shelter or a meeting place if you get separated. Look for safe places at the cottage or campground well before strong winds or tornadoes threaten. Make sure your family is aware of them. If no substantial shelter is available, leave trailers and lie in a low sheltered spot away from large trees (but be aware of flooding). As a last resort, take shelter in a grove of small low trees. Stay away from fences and open areas such as golf courses and fields when lightning is in the area. Avoid being near tall objects, such as trees, hilltops, and telephone poles. Don't use metal objects such as golf clubs or fishing rods. Get out of water and off small boats. Stop tractor work and lift metal equipment out of ground. Use the 30-30 rule - Take shelter when you count less than 30 seconds between lightning and thunder; and remain sheltered for 30 minutes after the last thunder. If you have Weatheradio (available at electronic stores for about $40-80) and are within the broadcast area, keep it in the "alert" mode during the threatening weather. Monitor web wages at www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca where up-to-the-minute maps display areas in which severe weather watches and warnings have been issued. Radar images will show you where the thunderstorms are moving. More information and safety tips are available on the Environment Canada web site: www.prn-rpn.ec.gc.ca/air/ or www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca
