Severe Weather Preparedness
"Our Commitment Is To Provide The
Information Essential In Keeping You, Your Family, Friends, Neighbors And
Property As Protected As Possible When Severe Weather Strikes."
- Chris Jessie, WLOC/WHSX
Please take a moment and review the tips
listed here. This information is valuable in taking action when severe
weather is occurring. Being prepared and knowing exactly what to do is
vital to survival when catastrophic events in nature take place. You and
everyone in your home/business should be familiar with a plan for severe
weather.
Lightning
Safety
Before Lightning
Strikes...
- Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies,
flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.
- If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the
storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.
- Listen to
NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or
television for the latest weather forecasts.
When a Storm Approaches...
- Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows
closed and avoid convertibles.
- Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct
electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical
appliances. (Leaving electric lights on, however, does not increase the
chances of your home being struck by lightning.)
- Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any
other purpose.
- Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from
lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job!
- Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break
due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from
shattering into your home.
If Caught Outside...
- If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter
trees.
- If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find
shelter immediately!
Protecting Yourself Outside...
- Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles,
or metal objects. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
- Be a very small target! Squat low to the ground. Place
your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the
smallest target possible.
- Do not lie flat on the ground--this will make you a
larger target!
After the Storm Passes...
- Stay away from storm-damaged areas.
- Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
If Someone is Struck by
Lightning...
- People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge
and can be handled safely.
- Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number.
- The injured person has received an electrical shock and
may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left
their body. Check for burns in both places. Being struck by lightning can also
cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.
- Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue
breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR.
If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look and care for other possible
injuries. Learn first aid and CPR by taking a Red Cross first aid and CPR
course. call your
local Red Cross chapter for class schedules
and fees.
Tornado Safety
Prepare a Home Tornado Plan...
- Pick a place where family members could gather if a
tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no
basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this
place uncluttered.
- If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have
enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center
of the building.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit
Containing...
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Canned food and can opener.
- At least three gallons of water per person.
- Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags.
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family
members.
- Written instructions on how to turn off electricity,
gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a
professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings...
- Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated
storm information.
- Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means:
- A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your
area.
- A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted
and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.
- Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by county or
parish.
When a Tornado WATCH Is Issued...
- Listen to local radio and TV stations for further
updates.
- Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris
or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it
sounds like a freight train.
When a Tornado WARNING Is
Issued...
- If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to
protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be
approaching your area.
- If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby
sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
- If you are in a mobile home, get out immediately and
seek more sturdy shelter (as above).
After the Tornado Passes...
- Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the
damaged area.
- Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
- Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.
- Do not use candles at any time.
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