Severe Weather

Safety Preparations


Outdoors
  • Immediately seek shelter
  • Tune into local news service (TV or radio) and prepare for the possibility of an emergency
  • Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately for safe shelter
  • If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head.
  • Be aware of flying debris from severe weather which causes most fatalities and injuries.
  • Do not drive through flooded areas!
In Your Home 
  • Retrieve your “Family Emergency Response Kit” (see below).
  • Seek shelter in the innermost part of your home, such as a hallway. Stay away from windows.
  • Bring your pets with you (don’t forget additional food and water supplies for them).
  • Bring a telephone (cell phone) and radio with you.
  • Continue to monitor your local weather for further instructions and information.
Family Emergency Response Kit - Items to Consider
  • Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
  • Flashlight, lanterns and extra batteries.
  • First aid kit and manual.
  • Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper).
  • Matches and waterproof container.
  • Whistle.
  • Extra clothing.
  • Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener.
  • Photocopies of credit and identification cards.
  • Cash and coins.
  • Special needs items, medications, glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries.
  • Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.
  • Tools, pet supplies, and other items to meet your unique family needs.
  • Three-day supply of non-perishable food.
  • Three-day supply of water - one gallon of water per person, per day.