Thunderstorms are frequent occurrences in Alabama. They can happen anytime here, but they are most common during the Spring and Summer months.
All thunderstorms are accompanied by lightning, hence their name. Lightning is one of nature’s deadliest killers. And all it takes is a single stroke to result in death.
Hail can produce property damage and even injure people. As we saw last week, hail can produce significant damage to automobiles.
Straight line winds produced by thunderstorms can be as devastating as tornadoes. In fact, mobile homes are frequently destroyed by thunderstorm downburst winds with deadly results.
This brings us to an important part of your preparedness arsenal. If you live in manufactured housing, it is incumbent upon you to make sure that your home is anchored properly.
But this is not enough. Thunderstorm winds and certainly tornadoes can still destroy a properly anchored mobile home. It is critical that residents of manufactured housing pay close attention to the weather. When severe weather is anticipated or severe thunderstorm or tornado watches are issued, you should already have a designated friend of family member’s well constructed house where you can go. You cannot wait for the warning if that well built home is not immediately adjacent. Give yourself plenty of time to get there and be in place before the storm hits.
Remember this week’s theme: “In a matter of seconds, are you ready?â€
