The Fire Chief Says:
Be prepared for severe weather!
Our greatest risk for severe weather is from May – July, but severe weather can strike any time.
The best way to protect yourself and your family is to be prepared, conduct tornado drills and designate an area in your home as a shelter for severe weather.
As you go through your day, pay attention to the weather - the weather that is actually occurring, not just what was predicted. Have a radio or tv available that you can monitor. If you are outside, listen for any
outdoor warning sirens.
Know the difference between WATCHES and WARNINGS . . .
Be prepared for severe weather . . .
When taking shelter . . .
Find more information about weather including maps and alerts . . .
Know the difference between WATCHES and WARNINGS . . .
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means weather conditions are favorable for a severe thunderstorm to develop.
A Tornado Watch means weather conditions are favorable for the formation of tornados.
• If a watch has been issued for our area, stay informed of weather conditions by listening to local weather updates on television or radio.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means a severe thunderstorm has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
Outdoor warning sirens throughout the city will sound to warn the citizens of approaching severe weather. These are OUTDOOR WARNING sirens; they are NOT intended to be heard indoors.
• If a warning has been issued for our area take cover immediately and continue to stay informed of weather conditions.
Be prepared for severe weather . . .
Emergency supplies to have readily available:
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Weather alert radio
- During an emergency, National Weather Service forecasters interrupt routine broadcasts and send a special tone activating local weather radios. Weather radios equipped with a special alarm tone feature sound an alert to give you immediate information about a life-threatening situation. See detailed information on weather alert radios from the National Weather Service
• Battery operated radio
• First aid kit
• Emergency food and water
• Blankets, sleeping bags, etc.
When taking shelter . . .
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At Work:
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Look for "Severe Weather Shelter" signs at your place of work. |
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- In general, the basement or inner hallway on a lower floor is the safest.
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| At Home: |
Go to the lowest, smallest, most interior area such as a stairwell, bathroom or closet. |
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- Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Protect your head.
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| Outside or In Your Vehicle: |
Take shelter in a nearby building. If there is none, get out of the car and lie flat in the nearest ditch or low-lying area, away from the vehicle. Shield your head with your hands. If possible, seek shelter under a concrete overpass. |
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- Never try to out-drive a tornado!
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