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TORNADO
PREPAREDNESS: |
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If storm conditions are present,
listen for and respond to watches and warnings. A
Tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in
your area. A Tornado WARNING means a tornado
has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take
shelter immediately.
The Red Cross urges residents to
prepare for a tornado in the following ways.
·
Pick a place where family members
can gather together. It could be a basement,
however if there is no basement a center hallway,
closet, or bathroom on the lowest floor.
·
Assemble a disaster preparedness
kit
·
Practice a family disaster plan
·
Stay tuned to your local radio or
television station for storm updates.
If a tornado watch is issued for your
area, you should:
·
Use a NOAA Weather Radio or listen
continuously to local station on a portable
battery operated radio or television.
·
Be ready to act quickly. Tornados
can happen quickly and without warning.
·
Be alert to signs of a tornado, and
if you live in a tornado prone area, be ready to
seek shelter at a moments notice.
·
Follow the advice of local
authorities.
The Red Cross suggests citizens after
a tornado to take added precautions and lend
neighbors a helping hand.
·
Watch out for fallen power lines
and stay out of the damaged area.
·
Listen to the radio for information
and instructions.
·
Use a flashlight to inspect your
home for damage.
·
Do not use candles at any time.
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FLOOD
PREPAREDNESS: |
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If
flood conditions are present, listen for and respond
to watches and warnings. A Flood WATCH means
a flood is possible in your area. A Flood WARNING
means flooding is already occurring or will occur
soon in your area. A Flash Flood WATCH means
flash flooding is possible in your area. A Flash
Flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring
or will occur very soon.
The
Red Cross urges residents to prepare for a flood in
the following ways.
If a flood or flash flood watch is issued for your
area, you should:
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Use a NOAA Weather Radio or listen continuously to
local station on a portable battery operated radio
or television.
-
Be ready to act
quickly. Floods and flash floods can happen
quickly and without warning.
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Be alert to
signs of flooding, and if you live in a flood
prone area, be ready to evacuate at a moments
notice.
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Follow the advice of local authorities.
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Follow recommended evacuation
routes.
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Leave early enough to avoid being
marooned by flooded roads.
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Do not try walking, swimming or
driving through swift flood water.
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If you evacuate take your animals
with you. If it is not safe for you, it is not
safe for them.
The
Red Cross suggests citizens returning home after a
flood take added precautions and lend neighbors a
helping hand.
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Avoid downed power lines and report them to the
authorities
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Enter your home with caution
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Be aware of broken glass and sharp displaced
objects
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Check refrigerated food stuffs for spoilage
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Take photos of the damage you encounter to your
property for insurance claims
-
Look for electrical system damage to your home
-
Check for gas leaks, sewage and water line
disruptions
For additional
tips and information visit
www.redcross.org.
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HOME FIRES:
Make Your Home "Fire Safe"
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Smoke alarms save lives.
Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and
on each additional level of your home.
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If people sleep with
doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping
areas, too.
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Use the test button to
check each smoke alarm once a month. When necessary,
replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries
once a year.
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Vacuum away cobwebs and
dust from your smoke alarms monthly.
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Smoke alarms become less
sensitive over time. Replace your smoke alarms every
ten years.
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Consider having one or
more working fire extinguishers in your home. Get
training from the fire department in how to use
them.
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Consider installing an
automatic fire sprinkler system in your home.
Plan Your Escape Routes
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Determine at least two
ways to escape from every room of your home.
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Consider escape ladders
for sleeping areas on the second or third floor.
Learn how to use them and store them near the
window.
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Select a location
outside your home where everyone would meet after
escaping.
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Practice your escape
plan at least twice a year.
Escape Safely
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Once you are out, stay
out! Call the fire department from a neighbor's
home.
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If you see smoke or fire
in your first escape route, use your second way out.
If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the
smoke to your exit.
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If you are escaping
through a closed door, feel the door before opening
it. If it is warm, use your second way out.
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If smoke, heat, or
flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with
the door closed. Signal for help using a
bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a
telephone in the room, call the fire department and
tell them where you are.
Be Red Cross Ready, please
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U.S. Department of
Homeland Security
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