Dear Just Be: Are you prepared for severe weather this summer?

Summer in Colorado produces severe weather that can feel like it comes out of no where. The most common severe weather in Colorado during the summer months is high winds, hail, flash floods and tornadoes. Tornadoes are more common on the eastern plains, but if you haven’t learned this, anything is possible with Colorado weather, even snow.

Unfortunately, most fatalities occur because people think nothing bad will happen to them. On top of that, many people are not prepared. Not prepared because they don’t know what to do and/or because they don’t have the right tools and supplies to make it through severe weather.

Right now, it is sunny and 95 degrees outside, but even though there aren’t rain clouds you still need to be aware of the effects of weather and current conditions. Sadly, we have already lost three lives in Colorado to increased water levels. Because of the high temperatures, snow is melting at a rapid rate in the mountains which is raising the water levels in popular rafting and kayaking rivers as well as causing flooding in certain counties. Below are some quick tips on what to do with floods and flash floods:

Floods
• Know the water conditions in your neighborhood or your destination
• Stay alert for changing weather conditions
• Get out of areas subject to flooding like low spots, canyons, and areas downstream from dams
• Do not attempt to cross water that is above your knees
• Do not drive over a flooded road
• Abandon a stalled vehicle and immediately move to higher ground

Flash floods
• Flash floods can move at incredible speeds.
• If a flash flood warning is issued, or you realize a flash flood is coming, act quickly to save lives. You may have only seconds!
• Move to high ground - do not attempt to outrun the flood.
• Even 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet, and a depth of two feet will float your car!
• NEVER try to walk, swim, or drive through such swift water. If you come upon flood waters, STOP! TURN AROUND AND GO ANOTHER WAY.

Tips from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Division of Emergency Management. Stay tuned for more tips on severe weather in Colorado.