Emergency Preparedness

Safety Tips

for Severe Weather

Although tornadoes and severe storms can strike any time conditions are right, tornado season is usually a spring occurrence in our part of the country. About one thousand tornadoes hit the United States yearly. Advance planning and quick response are the keys to surviving a tornado.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOUR FAMILY PREPARE FOR THE UPCOMING STORM SEASON:

Know the risks: Pay attention for watches and warnings throughout the day.

Have a PLAN: This has to be done BEFORE storms hit. Talk to you family about the safest place to meet inside your home. First choice should be a basement, storm cellar or interior room on a lower floor with no windows. If a tornado hits, it is recommended that you cover yourself with a mattress or a sleeping bag.

Be prepared: Have emergency contact numbers on hand. Have flashlights in a spot that are easy for you and the kids to get to. In case of a major event, the National Weather Service recommends having enough food to last 3 days. Put together a disaster kit and store it in a safe place.

DISASTER KIT:

Flashlight and extra batteries
Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
First aid kit and manual
Blankets and a change of clothes
Emergency food and water (including baby items if needed)
Manual can opener for food
Essential medicines
Cash and credit cards
Sturdy shoes and gloves

If you are in a mobile home, LEAVE: The National Weather Service says even mobile homes that are strapped down are not safe in a tornado. If possible, find a safer place to go.

If you're stuck outside: Lie in a ditch or low-lying area. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Protect the back of your head with your arms. STAY AWAY FROM TREES.

If you are in a car: Never try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle. Instead, get out of the car and take shelter in a nearby building. If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area.

If the worst happens and disaster strikes, remain calm and patient, and put you plan into action. Check for injuries, give first aid, and try to get help for the seriously injured. Listen to you battery-powered radio for news and instructions.

Remember to:

Call you family contact (don't use the phone again unless it is an emergency).
Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled.
Make sure you have adequate water supply in case service is cut off.
Stay away from downed power lines.

If you have not signed up for Code Red or SMART 911, these are a great tool to help you be better prepared for any alerts or changing weather in your area.

SOURCE: Conway Fire Department (http://conwayfd.com/)