Weather Terms

• A Watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather in your area.

• Warning means severe weather is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

• Watches and Warnings are issued for thunderstorms, floods, flash floods and tornadoes. If a warning is issued, move to your basement or a safe area in your home and turn on the local news or your weather radio for further instructions.

• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. This is your best way to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.

Prepare a family disaster plan

• Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe place.
• Purchase a weather radio for your home to warn you of impending severe weather.
• Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing: first aid kit, non-perishable canned food and hand-operated can opener, bottled water, sturdy shoes, work gloves, battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
• Also include in the kit written instructions on how to turn off your home's utilities.

Lightning Tips

• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to a storm to be struck by lightning. Get to safe shelter immediately.

• Move to a sturdy building or car with a hard top. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees or in convertible automobiles.

• Get out of boats and away from water. DO NOT take a bath or shower.

Tornado Tips

• Move to a shelter, such as a basement. If underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.

• Stay away from windows.

• If you are in a car, never try to outrun a tornado. If caught outside or in a vehicle, leave your car and lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression (not a storm ditch).

• Mobile homes should be abandoned as they offer little protection. Move to a nearby shelter.

Flash Flood Tips

• Know your area's flood risk. Keep your car fueled; if electricity is cut off, gas stations may not be able to operate pumps for days.

• If roads are closed due to flooding, DO NOT go around roadblocks, and DO NOT attempt to drive through flooded streets. Road closings are for your safety.

• Never cross a road covered with water.