In the summer, server weather can hit at any time and takes many different forms. It is by knowing what to expect and how to prepare for it, that you will be able to protect yourself, and your family.
The Facts
- Tornado is shaped like a funnel— big on top and small at the bottom. The winds of tornadoes can reach speeds of 200 miles per hour, lifting buildings off the ground and dropping them back to earth hundreds of feet away. Tornadoes can strike anywhere, at any time.
- All Thunderstorms produce lighting. Lighting often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.
- Floods occur because of heavy rains, a river overflowing, broken dam or levy, a tsunami, dangerous coastal procedures, natural ground saturation, infrastructure failures, winter storms or melting snow
- Hurricanes are large, spiraling tropical storms that can pack wind speeds of over 160 mph and unleash more than 2.4 trillion gallons of rain a day.
Be prepared and informed
Know the difference between a Weather WATCH and WARNING.
WATCH: Current weather conditions could create a severe
weather, so be prepared to seek safe shelter.
WARNING: A has been sighted, so take cover
Immediately, some communities have siren warning systems in
place to warn of local tornado sightings.
Prepare an Emergency kit
Food, Water & Medication
Pack a three –day supply of non-perishables and 1 gallon of water per
person, per day. Don’t forget about your
pets!
First Aid kit, Flashlight & Batteries
Include a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
Matches & tool
Include a multipurpose tool and a can opener
Change of clothes, sturdy shoes & sleeping bags
Consider additional items for cold weather, climates and include
personal hygiene items.
Have an Emergency Plan
Establish a place to meet in the event of an emergency,
depending on where each person could potentially be at the time. Record the
location so all family members are aware of the meeting point. Identify a
contact such as a friend or relative that family members can notify they are
safe. If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as "ICE" (In
Case of Emergency).
Seek Safe Shelter
D — Go DOWN to the lowest level
U — Get UNDER something sturdy
C — COVERS your head
K — KEEPS in shelter until the storm has passed.
After the storm passes remember to:
- Never drive through a flooded roadway. Turn around and find an alternate route.
- Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms.
- Continue to listen to local radio and television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked.
- Help people who may require special assistance, such as children and the elderly or those with special needs.
- Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.
- Watch your animals closely. Keep them under your direct control
