Knowing what do to when severe weather approaches means your chances increase for survival in the event of a disaster.

This is Severe Weather Awareness Week across the state of Alabama. It’s a time to focus on proper safety precautions necessary for protecting lives during severe weather.

In Dallas County, most of us have been fortunate and have been spared property damage and loss of life to hazardous weather.

But there is always that chance.

It’s imperative we know how to protect ourselves against hazardous weather. Knowing what’s about to come is of great assistance. Minutes can mean a life saved or property destruction reduced.

The National Weather Service recommends each household purchase a NOAA Weather Radio. The National Weather Service’s staff prepares and produces the weather radio broadcasts, but dos not make or sell receivers.

People may purchase receivers at many retail outlets, including electronics, department, sporting goods and boat and marine accessory stores. The weather service does not endorse a specific make or model of receiver.

There are standalone weather radio receivers and multiband receivers with the weather band included.

People who want to be alerted to warnings and watches day or night, would do well to buy a standalone receiver.

People who want to be able to tune to the weather broadcast and don’t care about receiving alerts would do well with the multiband receiver.

Whatever a person decides, it’s important to keep up with watches and warnings as hazardous weather moves into an area.