Emergency Weather Information

Storm Safety
 

Thunderstorms can happen at anytime.  Severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rains, high winds, and lightning. When severe thunderstorms threaten your area, listen to your local radio or TV station.  These stations will provide updated information.  You should know the following terms used to describe storm threats:

Weather related emergencies—storms, tornadoes, blizzards, flooding,—are some of the kinds of emergencies that could happen in this area.  These emergencies can be a threat to residents and visitors.  The following information will help prepare your family in the event of a weather related emergency.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH —Conditions are right for a severe storm.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING—A severe storm has been observed or has been detected by radar. Take these steps when severe thunderstorms or lightning are a threat.

  • Go inside a home, large building, or car (not a convertible).
  • Do not use the telephone, except for emergencies.  Do not use bathtubs, water faucets and sinks.  Metal pipes can conduct electricity.
  • A car offers some protection from lightning but can be a dangerous place to be during a flash flood or tornado. If you are outside, and there is no time to reach a safe building or car, follow these rules:
    • Do not stand under a tall tree in an open area, a hilltop, in an open field, or on the beach.
    • Get away from open water.
    • Get away from tractors and other metal farm equipment.
    • Get away from motorcycles, bicycles, golf carts, and scooters.  Do not hold metal objects, such as golf clubs.
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Tornadoes
 

A tornado is a violent storm with whirling winds of up to 300 miles per hour.  A tornado spins like a  top and may sound like the roaring of an airplane or train.  Sirens may sound.  When you hear a siren, turn on your radio or TV.  Tune to a local station.  These stations will provide updated information and tell you what to do.  You should know  the following terms used to describe tornado threats:

TORNADO WATCH—A tornado may occur in or near your area. Listen to a radio or television station listed here, or another local station in your area. These stations will provide updated information.

TORNADO WARNING—A tornado has been seen, or has been shown by radar. If a tornado warning is given for your area, take shelter immediately.

  • IF YOU ARE AT HOME- Go to a corner of your basement and take cover under something sturdy. If your home has no basement, take cover in a small room (such as a closet or bathroom) or under sturdy furniture on the lowest floor in the center part of the house. Stay away from windows. Do not remain in a trailer or mobile home if a tornado is approaching; take cover elsewhere in a nearby shelter or lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine, or depression.
  • IF YOU ARE IN A BUILDING—go to an inside hallway on the lowest floor or to a designated shelter area.
  • IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE—take cover and lie flat in the nearest ditch and cover your head with your arms.
  • IF YOU ARE IN A CAR—get out and take shelter in the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert and cover your head with your arms.
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Winter Storms
 

Areas that normally have mild winters can be hit with a major snow storm, extreme cold or blizzards. You should know the following terms used to describe winter weather conditions:

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY—Winter weather conditions, such as cold, ice, and snow are expected to delay travel, cause major problems, or create other types of dangerous conditions.

WINTER STORM WATCH—heavy accumulations of snow or ice are possible.

WINTER STORM WARNING—heavy snow, sleet,or freezing rain is expected.

BLIZZARD WARNING—heavy snow, winds, and dangerously low temperatures are expected. Blizzards can cause severe weather conditions such as zero visibility and life threatening wind chill.

WHAT TO DO

  • Listen to a radio or television station listed here. They will provide updates on weather conditions.
  • Keep a battery powered portable radio in working order;  keep extra batteries.
  • Have flashlights, battery powered lamps, and extra batteries.
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Keep antifreeze in your car's radiator.  Carry a winter car kit that includes the following:

    • Flashlight
    • Extra mittens, gloves, hats, boots
    • Tow chain or rope
    • Windshield scraper 
    • Shovel
    • Blanket
    • Bag of sand or salt
    • Emergency flares

If a blizzard traps you in your car:

  • Pull off the highway, stay calm and remain in your vehicle.
  • Do not set out on foot.  A building may seem close but be too far to walk in a deep snow.
  • Set your hazard lights to "flashing" and hang a cloth or distress flag from the window or radio antenna.
  • If you run your car engine to keep warm, open a window slightly for ventilation.  This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.  Keep snow cleared away from the exhaust pipe.

NOTE:  Be careful not to use up battery power.  Balance the use of radio, heat, and lights.

  • In extreme cold, use road maps, seat cover, and floor mats for  warmth.  Use your coat as a blanket.
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Flooding
 

Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural hazards. Some floods develop over a period of days, but flash floods can result in raging water in just a few minutes. Sirens may sound. When you hear a siren, turn on your radio or TV.  Tune to a local station. These stations will provide updated information and tell you what to do.  You should know the following terms used to describe flooding conditions:
  • FLOOD FORECASTS mean rainfall may be heavy enough to cause rivers to overflow their banks or melting snow may be mixing with rainfall to produce similar effects.
  • FLOOD WARNINGS or forecasts of impending floods describe the affected river, lake, or tidewater, the severity of flooding (minor, moderate, or major) and when and where the flooding will begin.
  • FLASH FLOOD WATCHES mean heavy rains (that may cause sudden flash flooding in specified areas) may occur.  Understand that a flash flood can occur without visible sign of rainfall in your area.  Be alert to a possible emergency which will require immediate action.
  • FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS mean flash flooding is occurring or imminent along certain streams and designated areas.  Move to high ground immediately.
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WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
  • Listen to a radio or television station listed here.  These stations will provide updated information.
  • Keep a stock of food that requires no cooking or  refrigeration.  Store drinking water in clean, closed containers.
  • Learn your community's flood evacuation routes and where to find higher ground.
  • If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves.  Disconnect electrical appliances, but do not touch any  electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
  • If your car stalls in a flooded area, abandon it!  You and your car could be swept away.

    (02/26/08)
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