Severe Weather Safety

Thunderstorms

A thunderstorm is a storm with lightning caused by changes in air pressure. Severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rains, which can cause flash flooding, strong winds, hail, and tornadoes. At any given moment, nearly 1,800 thunderstorms are in progress over the face of the earth. If you see or hear a thunderstorm coming...

* Find shelter in a sturdy building.

* Telephone lines and metal pipes are conductors of electricity. Unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliance.

* Avoid using running water if possible, and don't take a shower or bath until the storm passes.

Lightning Safety

If you're caught outside during a storm...

* Move away from tall things like trees and telephone poles as they attract lightning.

* Never stand underneath a single tree out in the open because lightning will hit the highest point in the area.

* Do not lie flat on the ground. Crouch down low to the ground and make yourself the smallest target possible.

Tornadoes

A tornado is a violent windstorm that can produce winds of up to 300 miles per hour. It spins like a top and may sound like the roaring of a train or airplane. These short-lived storms are the most violent and destructive of all storms.

Know the difference between a watch and a warning. A Tornado Watch simply means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted, and you should seek shelter immediately.

During a tornado, you should protect yourself from falling objects and flying debris as well as from being blown away. The best protection is in an underground shelter, however, if none is available, follow these suggestions to protect yourself if a tornado threatens.

* In homes or small buildings, go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom or closet. Take cover under something sturdy like a workbench or table, staying clear of windows, and remain there until the danger passes.

* At work, go to an interior hallway on the lowest floor or a designated shelter area.

* When at school, follow the instruction of school authorities. Your best shelter will be in interior rooms or hallways, away from glass, and in areas with wide-span roofs, such as an auditorium or gymnasium.

* In high-rise buildings, go to a small, interior room and stay away from exterior walls and glassy areas.

* In cars or mobile homes, leave immediately and seek shelter in a suitable structure. If no structure is available, take cover in a nearby ditch or low area. Lie flat and use your hands to protect your head.

Once the tornado has passed, use caution before entering a building. Make sure walls, ceiling, and roof are in place and that the structure has reset securely on its foundation. Also, be careful of broken glass and debris.

Click here to download our Weather Siren flyer.

Thunderstorms


A thunderstorm is a storm with lightning caused by changes in air pressure. Severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rains, which can cause flash flooding, strong winds, hail, and tornadoes. At any given moment, nearly 1,800 thunderstorms are in progress over the face of the earth. If you see or hear a thunderstorm coming...


* Find shelter in a sturdy building.

* Telephone lines and metal pipes are conductors of electricity. Unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliance.

* Avoid using running water if possible, and don't take a shower or bath until the storm passes.


Lightning Safety


If you're caught outside during a storm...


* Move away from tall things like trees and telephone poles as they attract lightning.

* Never stand underneath a single tree out in the open because lightning will hit the highest point in the area.

* Do not lie flat on the ground. Crouch down low to the ground and make yourself the smallest target possible.



Tornadoes


A tornado is a violent windstorm that can produce winds of up to 300 miles per hour. It spins like a top and may sound like the roaring of a train or airplane. These short-lived storms are the most violent and destructive of all storms.


Know the difference between a watch and a warning. A Tornado Watch simply means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted, and you should seek shelter immediately.


During a tornado, you should protect yourself from falling objects and flying debris as well as from being blown away. The best protection is in an underground shelter, however, if none is available, follow these suggestions to protect yourself if a tornado threatens.


* In homes or small buildings, go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom or closet. Take cover under something sturdy like a workbench or table, staying clear of windows, and remain there until the danger passes.

* At work, go to an interior hallway on the lowest floor or a designated shelter area.

* When at school, follow the instruction of school authorities. Your best shelter will be in interior rooms or hallways, away from glass, and in areas with wide-span roofs, such as an auditorium or gymnasium.

* In high-rise buildings, go to a small, interior room and stay away from exterior walls and glassy areas.

* In cars or mobile homes, leave immediately and seek shelter in a suitable structure. If no structure is available, take cover in a nearby ditch or low area. Lie flat and use your hands to protect your head.


Once the tornado has passed, use caution before entering a building. Make sure walls, ceiling, and roof are in place and that the structure has reset securely on its foundation. Also, be careful of broken glass and debris.


Click here to download our Weather Siren flyer.