|
|
SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY
If a tornado was approaching, would you know what to do? Tornadoes are the most violent atmospheric phenomenon on the planet. Winds of 200-300 mph can occur with the most violent tornadoes. The following are instructions on what to do when a tornado warning has been issued for your area or whenever a tornado threatens.
In homes or small buildings, go to the basement (if available) or to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom. Wrap yourself in overcoats or blankets to protect yourself from flying debris.
In schools, hospitals, factories or shopping centers, go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums and warehouses. Crouch down and cover your head.
In high rise buildings, go to interior small rooms or halls. Stay away from exterior walls or glassy areas.
In cars or mobile homes, abandon them immediately!! Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If you are in either of those locations, leave them and go to a substantial structure or designated tornado shelter.
If no suitable structure is nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression and use your hands to cover your head.
Do you know what to do if you are caught in the open during a thunderstorm or you feel tingling or your hair standing on end? Lightning can strike up to several miles away from the thunderstorm.
When inside:
Avoid using the telephone (except for emergencies) or other electrical appliances.
Do not take a bath or shower.
If caught outdoors:
Go to a safe shelter immediately! such as inside a sturdy building. A pickup truck or hard top automobile with the windows up can also offer fair protection.
If you are boating or swimming, get out of the water immediately and move to a safe shelter away from the water!
If you are in a wooded area, seek shelter under a thick growth of relatively small trees.
If you feel your hair standing on end, squat with your head between your knees. Do not lie flat!
Avoid isolated trees or other tall objects, bodies of water, sheds, fences, convertible automobiles, tractors and motorcycles.
|
|
|
FLASH FLOODS
Flash Floods develop quickly.
They can occur anywhere, along rivers or creeks, in low water crossings or in a dry stream bed.
They can occur during any month and at any time during the day. In fact, flash floods often occur at night when it is difficult to find an escape route.
Flash floods can be deceptive. Flood waters are likely deeper and moving faster than you think.
When driving:
Avoid low water crossings.
Use alternate routes to avoid flood prone areas.
Leave your vehicle immediately if it stalls in flood waters.
Move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
Most cars and light trucks will begin to float in as little as 12 to 2 feet of water.
Act quickly.
Rising waters make vehicle doors difficult if not impossible to open.
If you are outside:
Everyone, especially children, should stay away from flooded creeks, streams or drainage ditches.
Swiftly flowing water can quickly sweep away even the strongest swimmers.
Soggy banks can collapse, dumping you into flood waters.
|
|
RIVER FLOODS
Unlike flash floods, which are short-term events, river floods may last for several days or longer.
River floods are the result of:
decaying hurricanes or remnants of tropical systems that may produce heavy rains, or
melting snow in combination with heavy rains, or
dam failures.
If river flooding is imminent or occurring, the National Weather Service will issue a river flood warning.
Before a river flood, review these guidelines for river flood preparation:
Know your flood risk and elevation above flood stage.
Keep your automobile fueled. Gas stations may not be able to operate gas pumps for several days after the flood event.
Store drinking water in clean bathtubs or in other containers. Water service may be interrupted for days.
Maintain a reserve of food that requires little if any cooking and no refrigeration.
Keep first aid supplies on hand.
Maintain a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio or other radio.
Have emergency cooking equipment and flashlights.
Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing into drains in your home.
During a river flood, follow these safety tips:
If you come upon a flowing stream where the water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go the other way.
Do not attempt to drive over flooded roadways.
Never allow children to play near high water, storm drains or viaducts.
Follow all evacuation orders.
After the flood has ended, many dangers still remain. Remember these safety rules after river floods end:
Throw out fresh food that comes in contact with flood waters.
Boil all water before drinking it.
Test well water for purity before drinking.
Do not visit disaster areas, you may hinder emergency operations.
Dry and check electrical equipment before using it.
Use flashlights, not lanterns, torches or matches to examine buildings. Flammables may be inside.
Report downed utility lines to appropriate authorities.
|
|
|
