The tornadoes that came across Northwest Tennessee on Oct. 5 served as a brief reminder that severe weather can surprise people at any moment.
While there appeared to be issues with the campus emergency text messaging system that night, ultimately the responsibility of staying prepared for severe weather falls on the individual.
There are many different applications for cell phones that can potentially be the difference in life and death when severe weather does approach. I’ve gathered a list of a few free apps that gave me a little peace on Oct. 5 as the sirens were wailing.
First, I’d like to encourage anyone with a smartphone to download the Weather Underground app for basic weather information. I prefer Weather Underground over the Weather Channel app.
A few years ago when tornadoes came through Weakley County, the electricity went out, and I found myself without TV or radio to tell me the precise location of the tornadoes. I had been a faithful user of the Weather Channel app until that night.
The Weather Channel app had a 15-minute delay on updating the radar system. When seconds count, a 15-minute delay can mean the difference between life and death.
Luckily, I had recently downloaded the Weather Underground app because of a friend’s suggestion. I pulled up that app, expecting the same delay. The Weather Underground app was continually refreshing, which allowed me to see the exact location of the most dangerous weather.
The other general information, such as day-to-day temperatures, is also reliable on Weather Underground.
The Red Cross also has several weather-related apps that are extremely beneficial in severe weather. I would encourage everyone to download the Red Cross Tornado app.
I was sitting in a restaurant at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 5 when an alarm rang on my phone, letting me know that Weakley County was likely to be under a tornado warning in the coming hour. The group I was with finished dinner, made it home, and we all charged our phones – all before Weakley County ever had announced the tornado warning.
The trick is in knowing how to set it up.
The Tornado app allows you to receive notifications for any county in the United States. The best strategy for UTM students to stay ahead of the severe weather is to sign up to receive notifications for Obion County, not just Weakley County.
Most of the time severe weather comes our way after passing through Obion County. Every once in a while that can change, but getting notifications for neighboring counties can help us prepare here.
The Tornado app also includes preparedness quizzes, shelter information and other tips for before, during and after the severe weather.
The Red Cross also has other apps, including one for First Aid. The app offers information on how to prepare for general emergencies, mini tests to try out your knowledge of how to handle chaotic situations, and an “emergency” section that walks you through those chaotic situations should you find yourself in the midst of one.
Many other apps are available that could benefit individuals in their time of need. I’ve only mentioned a few here, but those are apps that I find myself relying on when disaster does strike. Ultimately it is up to each of you to test various apps and find the ones that best suit your needs.
