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Severe Weather Safety Tips

Tornado Tornado
Tornadoes
 Tornado Tornado

  • If a tornado was approaching, would you know what to do? Tornadoes are the most violent atmospheric phenomenon on the planet. Winds of 200-300 mph can occur with the most violent tornadoes. The following are instructions on what to do when a tornado warning has been issued for your area or whenever a tornado threatens.

    • In homes or small buildings, go to the basement (if available) or to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom. Wrap yourself in overcoats or blankets to protect yourself from flying debris.
    • In schools, hospitals, factories or shopping centers, go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums and warehouses. Crouch down and cover your head.
    • In high rise buildings, go to interior small rooms or halls. Stay away from exterior walls or glassy areas.
    • In cars or mobile homes, abandon them immediately!! Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If you are in either of those locations, leave them and go to a substantial structure or designated tornado shelter.
    • If no suitable structure is nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression and use your hands to cover your head.
Lightning Lightning
Lightning
 Lightning Lightning

  • Do you know what to do if you are caught in the open during a thunderstorm or you feel tingling or your hair standing on end? Lightning can strike up to several miles away from the thunderstorm.
  • When inside:

    • Avoid using the telephone (except for emergencies) or other electrical appliances.
    • Do not take a bath or shower.
  • If caught outdoors:

    • Go to a safe shelter immediately! such as inside a sturdy building. A pickup truck or hard top automobile with the windows up can also offer fair protection.
    • If you are boating or swimming, get out of the water immediately and move to a safe shelter away from the water!
    • If you are in a wooded area, seek shelter under a thick growth of relatively small trees.
    • Avoid isolated trees or other tall objects, bodies of water, sheds, fences, convertible automobiles, tractors and motorcycles.
Flash Flood Flash Flood
Flash
Floods
 Flash Flood Flash Flood

  • Flash Floods develop quickly.
  • They can occur anywhere, along rivers or creeks, in low water crossings or in a dry stream bed.
  • They can occur during any month and at any time during the day. In fact, flash floods often occur at night when it is difficult to find an escape route.
  • Flash floods can be deceptive. Flood waters are likely deeper and moving faster than you think.
  • When driving:

    • Avoid low water crossings.
    • Use alternate routes to avoid flood prone areas.
    • Leave your vehicle immediately if it stalls in flood waters.
    • Move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
    • Most cars and light trucks will begin to float in as little as 12to 2 feet of water.
  • Act quickly.

    • Rising waters make vehicle doors difficult if not impossible to open.
  • If you are outside:

    • Everyone, especially children, should stay away from flooded creeks, streams or drainage ditches.
    • Swiftly flowing water can quickly sweep away even the strongest swimmers.
    • Soggy banks can collapse, dumping you into flood waters.
Flood Flood
River
Floods
 Flood Flood

  • Unlike flash floods, which are short-term events, river floods may last for several days or longer.
  • River floods are the result of:

    • decaying hurricanes or remnants of tropical systems that may produce heavy rains, or
    • melting snow in combination with heavy rains, or
    • dam failures.
  • If river flooding is imminent or occurring, the National Weather Service will issue a river flood warning.
  • Before a river flood, review these guidelines for river flood preparation:

    • Know your flood risk and elevation above flood stage.
    • Keep your automobile fueled. Gas stations may not be able to operate gas pumps for several days after the flood event.
    • Store drinking water in clean bathtubs or in other containers. Water service may be interrupted for days.
    • Maintain a reserve of food that requires little if any cooking and no refrigeration.
    • Keep first aid supplies on hand.
    • Maintain a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio or other radio.
    • Have emergency cooking equipment and flashlights.
    • Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing into drains in your home.
  • During a river flood, follow these safety tips:

    • If you come upon a flowing stream where the water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go the other way.
    • Do not attempt to drive over flooded roadways.
    • Never allow children to play near high water, storm drains or viaducts.
    • Follow all evacuation orders.
  • After the flood has ended, many dangers still remain. Remember these safety rules after river floods end:

    • Throw out fresh food that comes in contact with flood waters.
    • Boil all water before drinking it.
    • Test well water for purity before drinking.
    • Do not visit disaster areas, you may hinder emergency operations.
    • Dry and check electrical equipment before using it.
    • Use flashlights, not lanterns, torches or matches to examine buildings. Flammables may be inside.
    • Report downed utility lines to appropriate authorities.
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Page last modified: March 5, 2009
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