WFO SHV - Weather Safety

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Weather Safety

General Tips

1) When a thunderstorm threatens, protect yourself by taking cover within your home, a large building, or a hard topped automobile. Do not use the phone except in the case of an emergency. If you are caught outside, do not stand under tall trees or telephone poles because lightning has a tendency to strike these tall objects; instead, seek the lowest area to take cover. If you are out at a lake, get off and away from the water until the storm passes. Remember....lightening can strike several miles away from the heart of a thunderstorm, so you should take precautions even when the storm is not above you.

2) In the case of a flash flood event, stay out and away from deep water. Areas of high water are often deeper than they seem to be and often moving more swiftly than they first appear to be. Motorists must avoid flooded roadways...even if a previous motorist made it through. Use an alternate route to avoid the flooding...this is the only way to be safe.

3) During a tornado warning, follow these safety tips:

In homes or small buildings, go to the basement or to an interior room on the lowest floor (preferably a bathroom or central closet). Wrap yourself in coats or blankets to protect yourself from flying debris.

In schools, hospitals, factories, and shopping centers....go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass enclosed areas or areas with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums and warehouses.

In high rise buildings, go to interior rooms or halls. Stay away from exterior walls or areas with alot of glass.

Abandon vehicles and even mobile homes. These are where most deaths occur. If you are in either of these, leave them and go to a substantial structure.

If there is no suitable shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch and use your hands to cover your head.

4) Heat Wave Symbol

Click here to find out what to do during a heat wave.

Disaster Supplies Kit

Families should be prepared for all hazards that affect their area. The National Weather Service (NWS), FEMA, and
the American Red Cross encourage families to develop a family disaster plan.

One of the most important things that you can do is to assemble a disaster supplies kit containing the following:

First aid kit, including prescription medicines

Canned food and can opener (not electric)

Bottled water (a 3-day supply--include one gallon per person per day)

One change of clothing and footwear per person

One blanket and sleeping bag per person

Rubber boots and rubber gloves

Emergency tools, including a NOAA Weather Radio, battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries

An extra set of car keys and a credit card or cash

Any special items for infants, the elderly, or disabled family members

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