Fire Weather and Severe Storms: How Can Texans Prepare Themselves
Weather experts around the world have been raising alarms during the past few weeks regarding the weather in Texas. Their predictions showed that severe storms and fire weather would hit Texas in the coming days. These predictions have been right so far. Parts of Texas have been facing these weather conditions since the end of March, and the situation is likely to get worse.
How Bad is the Situation in Texas?
In mid-March, thunder and lightning covered the skies over Texas. It was followed by heavy rainfall. Luckily, most storm clouds moved through North and Central Texas, and they didn’t cause much havoc. People appreciated the rain, which came as a relief to many parts of Texas.
However, as the storm pushed eastwards, the severe weather moved into Mississippi. The change in wind direction will lead to a cooler and drier air mass around Texas. As wind speeds go beyond 40 miles per hour, they will lead to critical fire danger in some parts of Texas.
The rain was necessary, especially in parts like Dallas. However, the dry weather now posts a fire threat across the state. Authorities in Texas have posted warnings for areas including Austin, Rio Grande Valley, and San Antonio.
How Can You Stay Updated About the Situation?
Texans need to keep themselves updated regarding the weather around them via real-time weather updates. The best way to do so is using a weather app. However, not everyone will have the patience to install a weather app. So, a simple Google search can help.
People who own blogs or other websites in Texas can also help. They can keep their local visitors alert about the weather by integrating a free weather API on their websites. This API will request access and weather data from another server. Upon authentication of the API key, the server will create an immediate response with the necessary information and send it to the user. Using APIs and API keys is not that hard. Reading the documentation will help you integrate the API with ease.
Besides, listening to the radio or live television broadcasts of the news will also help.
What You Shouldn’t Do
People often brush off these warnings as false alarms or mass hysteria. Don’t do this because what you see around you is 100% legit. Credible scientists and weather experts all agree that the conditions in Texas will soon lead to wildfires. Already, these fires have consumed over 30,000 acres of land. Thus, the warnings prove accurate, and there’s no chance of dismissing them anymore.
You should also know how to avoid getting caught up in the fire weather. Listening out for warning signs is just the start. However, there are other ways you need to protect yourself and your loved ones.
How to Prepare for a Wildfire
Here’s a list of things to remember as you prepare yourself for a wildfire in Texas.
- Install fire-resistant materials on your house exterior. You can also treat existing materials with fire-retardant chemicals.
- Plant hardwood trees and other fire-resistant plants and shrubs.
- Keep your roof and gutters clean. Always get rid of dry leaves, branches, and dead trees. You can’t have anything around your house that’s dry and combustible.
- Clean your chimneys at least once a year. The dampers need to be in good working condition. You should also equip your chimneys with a spark arrester.
- Install smoke detectors around the house. Teach yourself and your family members how to use a fire extinguisher.
- Keep a ladder inside the house. That’s in case the wildfire catches up to you, and you need to escape.
- Prepare a disaster supply kit. It should contain essentials like a three-day supply of non-perishable food, water, battery-powered radio, flashlight, batteries, etc. Prepare a separate first aid kit too. Include pet food in this kit if you have a pet at home.
- Keep dust masks with you. They will help filter the air.
- Carry utilities like a wrench, duct tape, and pliers.
You must abide by these guidelines as well as the instructions your local authorities provide during a wildfire. The situation in Texas is so far under control, but nobody knows for how long. As with most wildfires, it might not be long before the fire weather goes out of hand. Thus, it’s always wise to prepare yourself for the worst.