Staying Safe During Severe Weather
This past weekend, West Alabama experienced severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, highlighting the importance of being prepared for extreme weather. At Hale County Hospital, we prioritize ensuring that our providers are trained and ready to respond to largescale disasters that could impact our region.
On March 13, 2025, Hale County Hospital, Hale County Hospital Clinic, Home Health, and Moundville Medical Associates partnered with law enforcement, Emergency Management Agencies (EMA), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and fire departments from across West Alabama for a Disaster Drill. This exercise provided our medical teams with handson experience in emergency response techniques while strengthening our relationships with first responders across the region.
During the drill, we practiced triage procedures in our state-of-the-art hospital trailer in a parking lot near Main Street. We extend our gratitude to the Hale County EMA and all the individuals and organizations that helped make this drill possible. A special thanks to the local community members who acted as participants in the drill—your involvement was invaluable.
The timing of this drill was especially relevant, as we simulated our response to a tornado touching down near Main Street. While we were fortunate to avoid that scenario over the weekend, preparedness remains essential. Below are key tips for staying safe during severe weather.
Severe Weather Preparedness Tips
Emergency Kit Essentials Ensure your emergency kit is well-stocked and easily accessible. Include:
- Non-perishable food and water (2-3 days’ supply)
- First aid supplies and necessary medications
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Portable phone chargers
- Important documents
- Comfort items
- Change of clothes (1-2 days’ supply)
Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Safety
Before a Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm
- Monitor weather alerts via a NOAA weather radio or app.
- Identify the safest shelter locations (e.g., basement, interior room with no windows).
- Remove outdoor hazards (e.g., secure loose furniture and debris).
During a Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm
- Move to a designated shelter when advised by weather agencies.
- If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter immediately.
If unable to reach a designated safe area, shelter in the most interior room of the building, avoiding windows, and cover yourself with a mattress, large pillows, or other protective materials.
- Stay calm using grounding techniques (e.g., deep breathing exercises).
- Speak in soft voices and maintain physical closeness to reduce anxiety.
- Avoid windows and doors; cover with blankets if necessary.
Shelter Locations in Hale County
- Greensboro Baptist Church (908 Main St, Greensboro, AL 36744)
- Moundville Storm Shelter (36 Jackson Ave, Moundville, AL, 35474)
- Newbern Storm Shelter (adjacent to Auburn Rural Studio’s Brown House)
- Akron Storm Shelter (adjacent to the old Akron Elementary School)
- Sawyerville
- Sawyerville Storm Shelter (across from Stretch A Dollar)
- Jackson Chapel UMC (68 Jackson Road, Sawyerville, Alabama, 36776)
Understanding Tornado Alerts
- Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to occur. Stay alert and be prepared to move to a safe place.
- Tornado Warning: A tornado is occurring or about to occur. Take action and immediately seek shelter.
By staying prepared and informed, we can all help keep our families, neighbors, and healthcare teams safe during severe weather events. Let’s continue to work together to strengthen our emergency readiness!
