Safety Tips

TORNADO SAFETY

Tornadoes are one of nature's most violent storms. In an average year, about 1,000 tornadoes are reported across the United States, resulting in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long.
Tornadoes come in all shapes and sizes and can occur anywhere in the U.S. at any time of the year. In the southern states, peak tornado season is March through May, while peak months in the northern states are during the summer.

A TORNADO WATCH means a tornado is possible for your area. In other words, weather conditions are possible for a tornado to form in your area.

A TORNADO WARNING means a tornado is either on the ground or has been detected by Doppler radar. In other words, take cover immediately!

BEFORE A TORNADO:

Have a disaster plan. Make sure everyone knows where to go in case a tornado threatens.
Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water.

DURING A TORNADO:

Go to a basement.
If you do not have a basement, go to an interior room without windows on the lowest floor such as a bathroom or closet.
If you can, get under a sturdy piece of furniture, like a table.
If you live in a mobile home get out. They offer little protection against tornadoes.
Get out of automobiles. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car, leave it immediately.
If you’re outside, go to a ditch or low lying area and lie flat in it.
Stay away from fallen power lines and stay out of damaged areas.

IF YOU’RE AT SCHOOL DURING A TORNADO:

Every school should have a disaster plan and have frequent drills.
Basements offer the best protection.
Schools without basements should use interior rooms and hallways on the lowest floor away from windows.
Crouch down on your knees and protect your head with your arms.

AFTER A TORNADO:

Stay indoors until it is safe to come out.
Check for injured or trapped people, without putting yourself in danger.
Watch out for downed power lines.
Use a flashlight to inspect your home.

LIGHTNING SAFETY

All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. If you hear the sound of thunder, then you are in danger from lightning. Lightning kills between 75 to 100 people each year and being outdoors in the most dangerous place to be. Always listen to the radio and television for the latest information and instructions for your area.

IF YOU’RE OUTDOORS:

Keep an eye at the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of lightning, or increasing winds. Lightning often proceeds rain, so don’t wait for the rain to begin. If you hear the sound of thunder, go to a safe place immediately.
The best place to go is a sturdy building or a car, but make sure the windows in the car are shut. Avoid sheds, picnic areas, baseball dugouts and bleachers.
If there is no shelter around you, stay away from trees. Crouch down in the open area, keeping twice as far away from a tree as far as it is tall. Put your feet together and place your hands over your ears to minimize hearing damage from thunder.
If you’re with a group of people stay about 15 feet from each other.
Stay out of water. It’s a great conductor of electricity. Swimming, wading, snorkeling and scuba diving are not safe. Also, don’t stand in puddles.
Avoid metal. Stay away from clotheslines, fences, and drop your backpacks because they often have metal on them.
If you’re playing an outdoor activity, wait at least 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike or thunder.

IF YOU’RE INDOORS:

Avoid water. It’s a great conductor of electricity, so do not take a shower, wash your hands, wash dishes or do laundry.
Do not use a corded telephone. Lightning may strike exterior phone lines.
Do not use electric equipment like computers and appliances during a storm.
Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.

IF SOMEONE IS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING:

Call for help. Call 9-1-1 or send for help immediately.
The injured person does not carry an electrical charge, so it is okay to touch them.

THUNDERSTORM SAFETY

A THUNDERSTORM WATCH means a thunderstorm is possible for your area.

A THUNDERSTORM WARNING means a thunderstorm is taking place in your area.

IF YOU’RE OUTDOORS:

Keep an eye at the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of lightning, or increasing winds. Lightning often proceeds rain, so don’t wait for the rain to begin. If you hear the sound of thunder, go to a safe place immediately.
The best place to go is a sturdy building or a car, but make sure the windows in the car are shut. Avoid sheds, picnic areas, baseball dugouts and bleachers.
If there is no shelter around you, stay away from trees. Crouch down in the open area, keeping twice as far away from a tree as far as it is tall. Put your feet together and place your hands over your ears to minimize hearing damage from thunder.
If you’re with a group of people stay about 15 feet from each other.
Stay out of water. It’s a great conductor of electricity. Swimming, wading, snorkeling and scuba diving are not safe. Also, don’t stand in puddles.
Avoid metal. Stay away from clotheslines, fences, and drop your backpacks because they often have metal on them.
If you’re playing an outdoor activity, wait at least 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike or thunder.

IF YOU’RE INDOORS:

Avoid water. It’s a great conductor of electricity, so do not take a shower, wash your hands, wash dishes or do laundry.
Do not use a corded telephone. Lightning may strike exterior phone lines.
Do not use electric equipment like computers and appliances during a storm.
Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.

IF SOMEONE IS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING:

Call for help. Call 9-1-1 or send for help immediately.
The injured person does not carry an electrical charge, so it is okay to touch them.

HEAT WAVE SAFETY

Extremely hot weather takes a large toll on the human body. In an average year, the summer heat in the U.S causes about 175 deaths. People most at risk for heatstroke are the elderly, small children, and people with weight and alcohol problems. Always listen to the radio and television for the latest information and instructions for your area.

HEAT WAVE SAFETY TIPS:

Slow down. On a hot day, don’t perform strenuous activities.
Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Drink plenty of water. Your body needs water to keep cool.
Spend more time in air-conditioned places.
If you don’t have air-conditioning, then have plenty of fans.
Don’t get too much sun.
Heatstroke, heat exhaustion and sunstroke are possible with prolonged exposure to the heat.
If someone gets heatstroke or heat exhaustion seek medical attention immediately.

WINTER STORM SAFETY

A major winter storm can last for several days and be accompanied with high winds, freezing rain, sleet, heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. Winter storms can make driving and walking extremely hazardous. Always listen to the radio and television for the latest information and instructions for your area.

BEFORE A WINTER STORM:

Have a disaster plan.
Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing, and blankets.
Be aware of changing weather.

DURING A WINTER STORM:

Stay indoors and dress warmly.
Eat regularly. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.
Drink water. Also, drink warm broth and juices.
If you must go outside, wear layered clothing, mittens and a hat.
Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
Keep dry. Change wet clothing to prevent the loss of body heat.
If you must drive, carry a cell phone.
Keep the gas tank full.
Let someone know where you’re going, just in case your car gets stuck.
If you’re car gets stuck, stay with it and wait for help unless help is visible within 100 yards. Use maps and car mats to stay warm.

AFTER A WINTER STORM:

Avoid driving until conditions have improved.
Avoid overexertion. Heat attacks from shoveling snow are the leading cause of deaths during the winter.
Check on neighbors to make sure their okay.