Emergency Weather Information
 
 
 

Storm Safety
  
 
   
  Thunderstorms can happen at anytime.  Severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rains, high winds, and lightning. When severe thunderstorms threaten your area, listen to your local radio or TV station.  These stations will provide updated information.  You should know the following terms used to describe storm threats:
 

Weather related emergencies—storms, tornadoes, blizzards, flooding,—are some of the kinds of emergencies that could happen in this area.  These emergencies can be a threat to residents and visitors.  The following information will help prepare your family in the event of a weather related emergency.
 

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH —Conditions are right for a severe storm.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING—A severe storm has been observed or has been detected by radar. Take these steps when severe thunderstorms or lightning are a threat.

  • Go inside a home, large building, or car (not a convertible).
  • Do not use the telephone, except for emergencies.  Do not use bathtubs, water faucets and sinks.  Metal pipes can conduct electricity.
  • A car offers some protection from lightning but can be a dangerous place to be during a flash flood or tornado. If you are outside, and there is no time to reach a safe building or car, follow these rules:
    • Do not stand under a tall tree in an open area, a hilltop, in an open field, or on the beach.
    • Get away from open water.
    • Get away from tractors and other metal farm equipment.
    • Get away from motorcycles, bicycles, golf carts, and scooters.  Do not hold metal objects, such as golf clubs.
 
 
 
 
 

Tornadoes
  
 
   
  A tornado is a violent storm with whirling winds of up to 300 miles per hour.  A tornado spins like a  top and may sound like the roaring of an airplane or train.  Sirens may sound.  When you hear a siren, turn on your radio or TV.  Tune to a local station.  These stations will provide updated information and tell you what to do.  You should know  the following terms used to describe tornado threats:
  TORNADO WATCH—A tornado may occur in or near your area. Listen to a radio or television station, or another local station in your area. These stations will provide updated information.

TORNADO WARNING—A tornado has been seen, or has been shown by radar. If a tornado warning is given for your area, take shelter immediately.

  • IF YOU ARE AT HOME- Go to a corner of your basement and take cover under something sturdy. If your home has no basement, take cover in a small room (such as a closet or bathroom) or under sturdy furniture on the lowest floor in the center part of the house. Stay away from windows. Do not remain in a trailer or mobile home if a tornado is approaching; take cover elsewhere in a nearby shelter or lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine, or depression.
  • IF YOU ARE IN A BUILDING—go to an inside hallway on the lowest floor or to a designated shelter area.
  • IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE—take cover and lie flat in the nearest ditch and cover your head with your arms.
  • IF YOU ARE IN A CAR—get out and take shelter in the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert and cover your head with your arms.
 
 
 

Winter Storms
  
 
   
  Areas that normally have mild winters can be hit with a major snow storm, extreme cold or blizzards. You should know the following terms used to describe winter weather conditions:
 

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY—Winter weather conditions, such as cold, ice, and snow are expected to delay travel, cause major problems, or create other types of dangerous conditions.

WINTER STORM WATCH—heavy accumulations of snow or ice are possible.

WINTER STORM WARNING—heavy snow, sleet,or freezing rain is expected.

BLIZZARD WARNING—heavy snow, winds, and dangerously low temperatures are expected. Blizzards can cause severe weather conditions such as zero visibility and life threatening wind chill.

WHAT TO DO

  • Listen to a radio or television station. They will provide updates on weather conditions.
  • Keep a battery powered portable radio in working order;  keep extra batteries.
  • Have flashlights, battery powered lamps, and extra batteries.

Keep antifreeze in your car's radiator.  Carry a winter car kit that includes the following:

    • Flashlight
    • Extra mittens, gloves, hats, boots
    • Tow chain or rope
    • Windshield scraper 
    • Shovel
    • Blanket
    • Bag of sand or salt
    • Emergency flares

If a blizzard traps you in your car:

  • Pull off the highway, stay calm and remain in your vehicle.
  • Do not set out on foot.  A building may seem close but be too far to walk in a deep snow.
  • Set your hazard lights to "flashing" and hang a cloth or distress flag from the window or radio antenna.
  • If you run your car engine to keep warm, open a window slightly for ventilation.  This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.  Keep snow cleared away from the exhaust pipe.

NOTE:  Be careful not to use up battery power.  Balance the use of radio, heat, and lights.

  • In extreme cold, use road maps, seat cover, and floor mats for  warmth.  Use your coat as a blanket.

 

 
 
 

Power Outage
  
 
   
  Here are some suggestions to make your situation easier and safer to deal  with while we're working to restore your service.
   
 
  • Check with your neighbors.  If you are the only one without power, or only a few appliances won't work, check to see if a fuse is blown or a circuit-breaker is tripped.  If neighbors are without power too, please call your electric company.
  • Your phone call is the only way for your electric company to know that you're without power.  If lines are busy, please wait a reasonable time and call again.
  • Listen to newscasts on a battery-operated radio.  During major power disruption, stations often will broadcast reports on the extent of the trouble and the approximate time electric service will be restored.
  • Turn off major appliances that should not be in operation when the power comes back on.  Do leave a light on so you'll know when normal service has been restored.  Do not use appliances if light is dim, indicating low voltage.
  • Open refrigerators and freezers as little as possible.
     Food will keep for hours if door-opening is kept to a minimum.  If the outage is lengthy, contact a dry ice distributor.
  • In an emergency, if you cannot reach your electric company,  contact the local police or fire department to report downed power lines or other dangerous conditions.  They may be able to contact the electric company or render assistance.
  • Stay away from, and never touch, downed lines under any circumstances.  Emergency situations and adverse weather conditions place severe demands on utility crews.  Your patience and understanding is appreciated.  Utility crews will work hard to clear hazards and to restore your service as quickly as possible.
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