Storm Related Safety Tips

Prepare a Home Plan Pick a place where family members could gather, it could be a basement if there is no basement a center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor. If you live in a high rise building you should be in the center of the building or as close to center and the lower floors if possible. Have on hand a First Aid Kit and essential medications, battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries. Canned food and can opener, bottled water and have sturdy shoes and work gloves. Have essential keys, car chargers for cell phones. Instruct family members on how to turn off your homes utilities. 2) Stay tuned for storm warnings Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated information. Warnings are issued by county 3)Know the difference between Watch and Warning Watch-means a possibility When a WATCH is issued listen to local media outlets for updates Be alert to changing weather conditions. Warning-means it has been witnessed and may be nearby. When a warning is issued go inside and pick your safe place to protect yourself from flying objects and glass. If you happen to be outside hurry to a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area. If you are in a car or mobile home with gusty winds, or more serious a tornado in the area, get out immediately and head to safety as noted above. After a storm has passed be very cautious of any utility lines and stay away from them and call the proper authorities. Be cautious of broken sharp objects such as glass and other debris. If you have a power outage it is recommended to use flashlights for light rather than candles. When candles are used you must be cautious not to let them tip over or have combustibles get near them such as clothing or curtains.  Stay calm and local emergency responders and utility companies will need to be notified, when reporting to 911 or other emergencies know what you need to report and speak calmly and clearly for information needed.  

FLOOD TIPS

Know your areas flood risk Be alert for possible flooding and listen to local media outlets for flood information. Flash floods can take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop. Prepare a family plan Check your homeowners or renters insurance to see it covers flooding. Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box. Have on hand a First Aid Kit and essential medications, battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries. Canned food, can opener, bottled water, and have rubber boots and rubber gloves. Identify where you could go if told to evacuate and choose several places another home friend or relative a hotel or shelter. Fill you cars’ gas tank in case an evacuation notice is issued. Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains. DO NOT drive around barricades or in high water. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Be aware of how to contact your utility companies and emergency responders. Only call 911 for emergencies and call the local listings of the appropriate agency for non emergency needs.