How to Prepare for Severe Weather
Tornadoes are the most violent natural phenomenon known to man, with winds up to 200-300 miles per hour. Would you know what to do if a tornado was on a path headed for you? When a tornado threatens your home and family's safety, follow the critical instruction detailed below.
If you are in a home or any other small building – Go to the basement. If the dwelling does not have a basement, go to the lowest level floor and stay in the smallest interior room, such as a closet or bathroom. Protect yourself from flying debris by wrapping yourself in a blanket or heavy coat.
If you are in a school, hospital, factory, or shopping mall – Go to interior rooms or halls on the lowest floor. Avoid glass-enclosed spaces and open areas such as warehouses and auditoriums. Always crouch down and protect your head by covering it with your hands.
If you are in a high-rise building – Find the nearest interior small room or hallway. Remain in a crouch position and cover your head with your hands. Stay away from exterior walls and windows.
If you are in a mobile home or car – Seek another form of shelter immediately. Most deaths occur when people remain in their mobile home or car, so get out! If you are caught in your car, run to the nearest substantial structure. Know the location of a nearby designated tornado shelter for when you need to evacuate your mobile home.
If no suitable or substantial structure is nearby – Lie flat with your face down in the closest depression or ditch, protecting your head with your hands.
- Latch your shutters and cover your windows, sliding or French doors with pre-cut plywood. Taping windows may reduce flying glass but will not prevent breakage.
- Take in objects that will blow away, such as garbage cans, patio furniture, tools, and household pets. Anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
- Place valuables and important documents in waterproof containers and store them in the highest area possible. Place large items in garbage bags. Have adequate cash available, as automatic teller machines (ATMs) may not be in service.
- Unplug all appliances from electrical outlets. Check with your satellite provider before attempting to remove a dish or antenna yourself.
- Stay away from downed power lines to avoid electrocution.
- Prepare your vehicle by filling your gas tank completely. Gasoline may not be available for days after a hurricane hits due to damage and power outages.
- Turn off electricity to your pool equipment and cover an exposed pool pump. Add extra chlorine to your half-drained pool to prevent contamination.
- Have plenty of canned and non-perishable food on hand, along with bottled water and a manual can opener.
Knowing the difference between flood conditions is important to the well-being of your home and family.
Flood Watch – Flooding is possible. Stay tuned to the radio or television for additional information.
Flash Flood Watch – Flash flooding is possible. Move to higher ground. A flash flood could occur without any warning. Stay tunerd to the radio or television for additional information.
Flood Warning – Flooding is occurring or will occur soon. Evacuate immediately if advised to do so.
Flash Flood Warning – A flash flood is in progress. Seek higher ground immediately.
Urban and Small Stream Advisory – Flooding of small streams, streets, and low-lying areas is occurring.
- Monitor the radio or television for up-to-the-minute information. Understand what the flood-related terms mean.
- Time permitting, move valuables to a high and dry location.
- Follow all instructions given by authorities, such as when to evacuate or to turn utilities off at their source.
- Execute your evacuation plan quickly. It's simpler and safer to evacuate before flood waters become too deep for vehicles to drive through.
- Follow pre-determined evacuation routes. Do not take your own shortcuts, as an area could already be flooded.
- Stay away from damaged area until instructed to return. Your early return may slow emergency operations.
- Monitor your battery-operated radio for special instruction about where to find temporary shelters, clothing, and food.
- Photograph or videotape the damage that has occurred to your home and property.
A thunderstorm is caused by dramatic changes in air pressure, and is always accompanied by lightning. Severe thunderstorms can also bring heavy rains which cause flash flooding, strong winds, hail, and tornadoes. Below are several important tips for dealing with lightning.
- Go inside a sturdy building or a hard-topped car with the windows up, if you see or hear a thunderstorm approaching. If you can't get inside to safety, or if your hair stands on end (an indication that lightning is about to strike), hurry to a low, open space immediately. Crouch down, grab your knees, and tuck your head to your legs, getting as close to the ground as possible.
- Move away from tall objects like trees, utility towers, or fences. Stay away from other items that will also attract lightning: umbrellas, baseball bats, fishing rods, camping equipment, and bicycles.
- Turn off air conditioners and unplug electrical appliances. Don't use the phone except in an emergency.
- Avoid taking a bath or shower during a storm.
- Have a flashlight with fresh batteries ready.
Would you know what to do if a Winter Storm Watch was issued in your area? First, you have to know what it means before you can know what to do, right? A Winter Storm Watch means that severe winter weather, such as snow greater than six inches in the next 24 hours, wind gusts over 35 mile per hour, or visibility less than 1/4 mile - is expected in the next 12 to 36 hours. Here's a checklist to help you prepare for the worst:
- Working flashlight and extra batteries.
- Battery-powered radio or television.
- Extra canned food, water, blankets, dry clothing, and baby items (if applicable).
- First-aid supplies and essential medications.
- Emergency heating source.
- Heating fuel (propane, kerosene, fuel oil, or wood).
- Warm coat, gloves, hat, and water-resistant boots.
- Fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and a shovel.
When Caught at Home in a Winter Storm
- Stay indoors. When using an emergency alternative heating source, ensure proper ventilation.
- Close off unneeded rooms and place towels under the doors if you have no heat.
- Cover windows with extra blankets during the night and let sunlight warm the house during the day.
- Eat high-calorie, nonperishable food to heat your body and drink to avoid dehydration.
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing. Remove layers to prevent overheating, perspiration, and chills.
- Move your arms and legs regularly to keep the blood circulating and to stay warm.
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