From Attorney David Ransin, “Well, it’s really raining heavily. We need the rain, but maybe not this much. You can see outside my office, our water detention pond is quite full, as well as my bird bath. Please be careful—turn around, don’t drown. We’re not used to this much water, and there will be roads you’re not accustomed to seeing flooded. So please, stay safe, get home safely, and take care.”
Turn Around, Don’t Drown: Safety Tips for Navigating This Weekend’s Severe Weather
Happy Friday, Springfield residents! As we head into the weekend, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and prepared, especially with the unpredictable weather on the horizon. I’m Attorney David Ransin from Ransin Injury Law, and today I want to share some essential safety tips to help you navigate the potential hazards of excessive rainfall and flash flooding.
This weekend, a warm front continues to influence our weather, bringing scattered rain and thunderstorms primarily south of I-44. While sunshine may peek through intermittently, boosting temperatures to around 70 degrees, it’s the heavy rain associated with these storms that poses a significant risk. By late afternoon, storms could also emerge from eastern Kansas, possibly impacting western Missouri by evening. Although severe weather like tornadoes is not expected to be widespread, the intense wind shear accompanying these storms could lead to isolated tornado threats, as well as hail and strong winds.
Saturday may offer a brief respite during the day, but expect more storms from Oklahoma and Kansas to move towards the Ozarks by evening, continuing into Sunday. With this pattern, severe weather could again be a possibility, accompanied by heavy rainfall that might lead to flooding in certain areas.
Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind:
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local weather updates and alerts. Knowledge is your best defense against unexpected weather changes.
- Avoid Floodwaters: The simplest, yet most crucial advice is to avoid driving or walking through floodwaters. It’s impossible to determine the depth or the current just by looking. Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of water can sweep your vehicle away. If you come across a flooded road, adhere to the motto: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
- Prepare Your Home: Check your home’s drainage systems and clear any debris to prevent water accumulation. Secure loose objects in your yard that could become projectiles in high winds.
- Emergency Kit: Ensure your emergency kit is updated with necessities like water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and batteries.
This weekend, let’s prioritize safety and preparedness.
By taking proactive steps and respecting the power of nature, we can ensure that we not only survive but thrive through these storms. For those navigating the roads, be especially cautious of water accumulation and always choose the safer route. Your safety is invaluable, and at Ransin Injury Law, we are here to support and guide our community through these challenging times.
Stay safe, Springfield, and remember, when in doubt, turn around, don’t drown.