"Super" Derecho - June 2012

3/29/2016 (Permalink)

Derecho - A widespread and long-lived wind storm that accompanies rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms.

Until June 2012 many residents of WV had no idea what a "derecho" was. Believe me - now we know - The damage it caused and the aftermath that came with it.

Our State is not prone to Hurricanes or Tornados so we were in no way prepared for this severe summer storm. One thing we hope all of us learned is to keep an Emergency Supply Kit readily available - Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Below is a list of supplies we suggest:

• Water (one gallon per person per day)

  Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)

  Manual can opener, Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries

  Flashlight and extra batteries

  First aid kit

  Whistle to signal for help

  Clothing

  Dust masks or bandanas

  Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape

  Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

  Local maps

  Hygiene items

  Important documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information

  Cash

  Fire extinguisher

  Matches in a waterproof container