As you may have noticed in North Texas lately, rainstorms can develop very quickly, and with the official onset of spring (which happened just past 10 p.m. March 19), we will likely experience more “surprises.” Weather alerts can help prevent you being caught unaware and give you a chance to take cover if you can’t hear outdoor warning sirens.
The Richardson Office of Emergency Management recommends the following:
- Richardson Emergency Alerts– you can register your cell phone number to allow the City to rapidly notify you through calls, texts and e-mails for various emergencies, including severe weather watches/warnings specific to the Richardson area. Visit www.cor.net/alerts to sign up.
- NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio– receive indoor alerts the instant they are issued from the National Weather Service for dangerous weather conditions in your area. To purchase a NOAA Radio, visit local camping, technology or online retailers. A NOAA radio can alert and wake you (models are available with a strobe light, sound or bed shakers), allowing life-saving minutes to take action– moving your body to a safe place such as an interior closet, bathroom or basement.
- Free phone apps available at app stores for iOS and Android- weather, lightning and local news channel apps often have options for notification and access to live radar coverage. Allow weather apps to access your phone’s GPS to see conditions at your actual location.
- Outdoor Warning Sirens– as a reminder, people are not expected to hear sirens inside a house or building. Their primary purpose is to move people indoors, to seek shelter and more information.
Website: www.cor.net/OEM
