Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters

What Are Weather Emergencies?

• Weather emergencies are dangerous situations brought on by changes in the atmosphere.

Common weather emergencies include storms, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, and thunderstorms.

Guidelines for Hurricanes

• Board up windows and doors. Bring in items such as outdoor furniture and bicycles inside.

• Evacuate immediately if the NWS or local officials advise you to do so.

• If no evacuation is advised, stay indoors. Be prepared for power loss by keeping a working flashlight and battery-powered radio on hand.

• Prepare an emergency kit.

Blizzard and Thunderstorms

• A blizzard is a very heavy snowstorm with winds of up to 45 miles per hour. Stay inside during a blizzard. Keep a flashlight and battery-powered radio on hand, both with extra batteries in case of power loss.

• Thunderstorms can occur almost anywhere, but they usually cause only minor damage. Stay inside or seek shelter during the storm.

• Unplug electrical appliances, and avoid using

• The telephone or running water until the storm has passed.

• If caught outdoors, squat low to the ground in an open area.

• Keep away from electrical poles and wires, tall trees, water, and metal objects.

Tornadoes

• A tornado is a whirling, funnel – shaped windstorm that drops from the sky to ground.

• Tornadoes can cause the most severe destruction of all storms.

• If a tornado watch is issued for your area, use a battery-powered radio to listen for further updates, and prepare to take shelter.

• If a tornado warning is issued, take shelter immediately.

• Where to go. You will be safest underground in a cellar or basement. If you can’t get underground, go to a windowless interior room or hallway.

• If you are outdoors, lie in a ditch or flat on the ground. Stay away from trees, cars, and buildings, which could fall on you.

• What to do. Cover yourself with whatever protection you can find, such as a mattress or heavy blanket.

Natural Disasters

• Floods can happen almost anywhere at any time.• If the NWS issue a flood watch for your area,

move valuable items to higher levels of your home, and keep your emergency kit handy.

• A flood warning means that you should evacuate your home. If so advised, move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, and creeks. Warning of a flash flood requires immediate evacuation.

Safety Rules

• Never walk, ride a bike , or drive a car through the water. Drowning or electrocution from downed power lines.

• Drink only bottled water. Floods can pollute the water supply.

• If an evacuation is ordered, return home only after being advised that it is safe to do so.

• Throw away contaminated food. Disinfect anything that come in contact with floodwaters.

Earthquakes

• An earthquake is a violent shaking of the earth’s surface.

• Aftershocks are secondary earthquakes.

Emergency Supplies Kit

• Can food Note: Three day supplies all items for your family

• Flashlight• Batteries• Gallon jugs of water• First aid kit• Can opener• Small battery powered radio