Missouri native Mark Twain is often quoted as saying, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a few minutes.” Although he said this about New England, it is no less true about our weather here in Missouri. We have been recently inundated with all forms of weather. Flooding, a seemingly endless winter and even more recently, above average temperatures. There is nothing we can do to directly affect the weather, but we can always be prepared for every situation. By staying alert, we can handle any situation that might arise.
Thunderstorms and tornadoes can be destructive to people and property. High winds, hail and flash floods are all potential dangers we face during the summer months. One of the first things to do during a storm is to limit the use of elcetrical devices. Stay out of water, like pools and even bathtubs and showers. If outdoors, find shelter immediately. Lightning strikes can and do occur, even though there are only an average of two deaths a year in Missouri. Lightning can be deceptive, it can strike up to 10 miles away from the actual storm. The best way to avoid being struck by lightning is to avoid exposure to it. Bring children in from open fields, sports practices and other outdoor activities. By finding shelter inside an enclosed building, you greatly reduce any chance of being struck by lightning. In addition, flash flooding can occur at a moment’s notice. A good rule is to always avoid any sort of water over a roadway, because it can wash away your vehicle before you even have time to react. The small creeks and tributaries that we cross everyday can become filled with raging currents in the blink of an eye.
The first thing we often think of when we refer to the summer months is the heat. Excessive heat and heat-related illness is the leading weather-related threat, according to the National Weather Service. With temperatures on the rise over the past weeks, it pays to be aware of heat-related issues. Even though small children, elderly and chronically ill individuals seem to be most affected, everyone is at risk. The first step to avoid any heat-related issue is to drink plenty of fluids. Of course, the most basic precaution is to stay in an air-conditioned environment. Also, avoid car interiors. Just as children and pets shouldn’t be left in a car unattended, no one should risk staying in an enclosed area for long periods of time. The interior of a vehicle can quickly become 20 to 30 degrees hotter than the outside temperature, becoming an oven in a short time.
Most of these tips may seem like common-sense, but sometimes we go about our lives as if the environment works with us instead of against us. By taking a few basic precautions, we can ensure the safety of our families and ourselves.
As always, I encourage my constituents to contact me throughout the year with comments, questions or suggestions by calling my office at (573) 751-5713. To find more information about the bills I sponsor, visit www.senate.mo.gov/brown. Thank you for reading this and for your participation in state government.