Seasonal Hazards & Outdoor Safety: Severe Weather Awareness

Spring in North Carolina brings warmer temperatures - but it also marks the start of peak severe weather season. April can bring strong thunderstorms, heavy rain, damaging winds, hail, and the potential for tornadoes.

In Statesville and throughout Iredell County, severe weather can develop quickly. Being prepared and staying informed are key parts of Community Risk Reduction and help protect your home and family before storms arrive.

Here are five important steps to stay safe this severe weather season:

Stay Weather Aware

Severe weather can move into our area quickly, especially during spring storm systems.

Be prepared by:

• Monitoring local weather forecasts regularly.
• Enabling Wireless Emergency Alerts on your mobile phone.
• Having a NOAA Weather Radio for overnight storms.
• Paying attention to watches and warnings issued for Iredell County.

Remember:

• A Watch means conditions are favorable.
• A Warning means severe weather is happening or imminent - take action immediately.

Awareness is your first line of defense.

Identify Your Safe Place Now

If a tornado warning is issued, there may only be minutes to react. Knowing where to go ahead of time saves valuable time.

The safest place during a tornado is:

• A small, interior room
• On the lowest level of your home
• Away from windows and exterior walls
• Examples include a bathroom, closet, or hallway

If you live in a mobile home, identify a nearby sturdy building where you can seek shelter. Mobile homes are especially vulnerable during high winds.

Practice your plan with your household so everyone knows where to go.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Power outages are common during severe storms. Having supplies ready reduces stress and keeps your family safer.

Your kit should include:

• Flashlights (avoid candles)
• Extra batteries
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
• First aid supplies
• Necessary medications
• Portable phone chargers

Keep your kit in an easily accessible location, especially during active storm periods. Learn more about how to Build an Emergency Kit: Be Ready Before You Need It here.

Secure Outdoor Items Before Storms Arrive

Strong winds can turn everyday objects into dangerous projectiles.

Before storms move in:

• Bring in or secure patio furniture, grills, and trash bins.
• Trim weak or overhanging tree branches.
• Park vehicles away from trees if possible.
• Close and secure windows and doors.

Taking a few minutes to secure your property can reduce damage and injury risk.

Avoid Flooded Roadways

Heavy rainfall often accompanies severe storms in North Carolina. Even areas that do not typically flood can experience rising water quickly.

Important Reminder: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

• Never drive through flooded streets.
• Just a small amount of moving water can carry away a vehicle.
• Do not walk through standing water.
• Avoid downed power lines and report them immediately.

Flooding is one of the most dangerous storm-related hazards - and one of the most preventable.

Severe Weather Preparedness Protects Our Community

Spring storms are a seasonal reality in Statesville. While we cannot control the weather, we can control how prepared we are.

By staying informed, identifying a safe shelter location, securing your home, and preparing emergency supplies, you reduce risk for yourself and for first responders.

Community Risk Reduction begins with preparation. Taking action before severe weather strikes helps keep families safer and strengthens our entire community.

The Statesville Fire Department encourages residents to review their storm safety plans this month and stay weather aware throughout the spring season.

Preparedness today makes a difference tomorrow.

View additional tips on our website at fire.statesvillenc.net/community-risk-reduction.