Straight-line wind storms, thunderstorms and tornadoes can occur at any time of year in Texas. So it pays for individuals and families to plan what to do well in advance. Feb. 19–25 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Texas. The Texas Department of Public Safety and the National Weather Service remind you that this is a good time to talk to your friends and family about emergency preparedness.

While tornadoes are extremely dangerous, wind, ice and hail storms can do similar damage, so thunderstorms should never be taken for granted. Dangers include:

• Straight-line thunderstorm winds, sometimes referred to as downbursts that blow in excess of 100 mph, are strong enough to uproot trees, destroy crops and cause substantial damage to buildings and roofs. These include severe and rapid downdrafts of air that push damaging winds outward on or near ground level and that are especially dangerous to aviation.

• Hail falling to earth at speeds nearing 100 mph, damaging trees, crops, automobiles and buildings. Hail storms cause more than $1 billion in damage nationwide each year.

When severe weather threatens, monitor TV and radio broadcasts as well as NOAA weather radio for storm warnings and watches. When straight-line winds threaten, respond the same way you would to the threat of a tornado. Seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom, stairwell, hallway or closet. Stay away from windows. If you are outside, cover your head to protect against flying debris. Avoid highway overpasses.

Brown County residents may sign up for the free DeltAlert weather warning by clicking here.  The DeltAlert system is being implemented by Brown County to replace the Code Red Alert system.  The service is free and warns citizens by calling home or cell phone numbers during severe weather situations or emergencies.

The Early High School Key Club will be helping register Brown County residents into the new DeltAlert weather warning system on Thursday, February 23rd from 5pm – 7pm.  During these hours, residents of Brown County can visit the Early High School Student Activity Center (main entrance) on Sudderth Drive in Early to receive their assistance. 

“Students will be available to take your information and make the entry into the DeltAlert system,” said Brown County Emergency Management Coordinator Brent Bush.  “It doesn’t get much easier than that, so please take advantage of this free and potentially lifesaving service.”

According to Brown County Emergency Management Coordinator Brent Bush, as of Wednesday morning, only 1800 registrations for the free service had been completed.  Many are not taking advantage of this free lifesaving service.  Register today and please encourage friends and family to join and be prepared for emergency situations during Severe Weather Awareness Week.