AAA Public Adjusters explains the Differences between Watches and Warnings

    PHILADELPHIA, PA, June 04, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ -- People today have a variety of resources that help them keep appraised of the current weather situations. However, most people, it can be surmised, are not truly understanding of some of the terms used by weather reporters, particularly the difference between watches, warnings, and advisories.

Watch: The term watch is used in announcing weather related activity to let people know that a type of event is possible within the area. Weather watches let people know that they should stay informed and be ready to take action to stay safe.

Warning: The term warning is used in announcing weather related activity to let people know that a type of event has been detected and reported and that there is danger. Warnings let people know that they should take action immediately to stay safe.

Advisory: The term advisory is used in announcing weather related activity to let people know that a type of weather event has a good chance of occurring. Typically, an advisory is issued for less severe weather events.

Warnings and watches are typically issued for sever weather events such as severe thunderstorms, flooding, tornadoes, tropical storms/hurricanes, winter storms, sometimes even heat and wind. As discussed above, advisories are typically used for less severe weather like wind or freezing rain.

People should take action to keep safe in the event that a warning is issued. The actions that people should take are different based on the weather event.

Thunderstorm: In case a warning is issued for a severe thunderstorm people in the area under the warning should take shelter immediately. In the event that people cannot move indoors they can use the following tips to stay safe:

-Stay as low to the ground as possible, i.e. flattening themselves into ditches
-Get into a car. It is a myth that the rubber of the tires is what would keep someone safe. Actually, it's the metal shell. This shell, if hit by lightning, would disperse the lightening around someone to the ground.
-Do not use tents or pavilions as shelter.
-Avoid bodies of water. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity.
-Don't dawdle. Lightening can strike from far away, even if it is not raining in the vicinity. If you hear thunder seek shelter immediately.

Flooding: People in the area under the warning should be prepared to evacuate from their homes or the area. If people in the area affected are not indoors, they should seek higher ground.

Tornado: People in the area under the warning should move immediately to the basement of their home or to an interior room on the lowest level without any windows. If people are outside and away from any sort of shelter, they should lie flat on the ground and cover their heads with their arms. If possible, those outside, should use a coat to cover themselves and they should stay away from cars and trees.

Tropical Storm: A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours. People within the area of the warning should continue to listen to local weather and be prepared to evacuate.

Hurricane: Like with a tropical storm, a hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. At this point people in the area of the warning should complete their storm preparations and be ready to evacuate the area as directed by local officials.

Winter Storm: This warning means that life threatening severe winter weather has begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in the area under the warning should stay indoors, avoid driving, and wearing the proper protective gear when venturing outdoors.

It is important for people to be prepared and stay aware of severe weather in their area. This will help keep them safe during severe weather events.

After a loss, consult with AAA Public Adjusters and schedule a free consultation. Call toll free 800-410-5054 or visit their website at www.AAAPublicAdjusters.com.

About AAA Public Adjusters
AAA Public Adjusters, LLC, is a property loss consulting firm headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Additional offices are located throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and North Carolina. AAA Public Adjuster have been fighting insurance companies for over 25 years. AAA Public Adjusters, Maximizing Your Claim!

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