To our residents: This morning, we had an apparent tornado come within two miles of our apartment complex. Fortunately, it looks like there was no major damage close by, but there has been tragic damage and loss of life elsewhere in Alabama yesterday and this morning from the severe weather. We are also still under a threat of severe weather and may see more thunderstorms and tornadoes later this afternoon into the evening and tonight. We want to take this time to let you know what to do in case of a tornado warning being issued for our area. If you hear the sirens as you did this morning shortly before 5 AM, take action! Lee County’s siren system is designed to only sound in areas where there is a real threat. Do not assume a “false alarm” if you hear the sirens! In your apartment, seek shelter in an interior room such as a closet or bathroom. Avoid being close to windows. If a tornado is about to strike, use blankets, pillows, or cushions to cover your body. Protect your head! A bicycle/motorcycle helmet or any other kind of sports helmet can be a life saver in a tornado. Remember to put on shoes in case you have to walk around and through debris after the storm. If you have a whistle or air horn, carry that with you to where you are sheltering in the highly unlikely event you are struck and need help. Prepare now by having those items in a place you can grab them in a matter of seconds. This morning, our neighbors in the Crawford area only had a little more than five minutes warning between hearing the sirens and the tornado striking. Before the storm, keep smartphones and other electronic devices charged in the event of a prolonged power failure. If you have an upper floor apartment, “buddy” up with your neighbors on the lowest floor so you can shelter with them in the event of a tornado warning. If this is not possible, use the same precautions as above in your own apartment. We will also open the clubhouse in the event of a tornado warning so that you can head there and seek shelter; however, we ask that only upper floor residents utilize the clubhouse option. A first floor apartment offers just as much protection as the clubhouse does. Also, please use your best judgment if you need to head to the clubhouse; it could be a matter of just a few minutes between hearing the warning and the severe weather arriving on the property. We have a meteorologist who lives on our property as well, Dana Barker, who is a staff meteorologist at WLTZ. He will be more than happy to answer any of your weather or shelter-related questions by e-mail at dbarker@wltz. Also, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions as well. Thanks, Your Summer Lake Staff
Posted on: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 15:05:32 +0000
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