Severe Weather Preparedness Prepared FOR the Monroe County Health department Medical Reserve Corps Information from ready.gov 6 February 2016

Tornadoes

Before a Tornado Build an emergency kit (with whistles for each family member) and make a family communication plan Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, or a TV newscast Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible. You should remain alert for approaching storms, watch the sky, and stay tuned to forecast updates Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar, you should take shelter immediately Sky Danger Signs: Dark, greenish sky – Large hail – Large, dark, low-lying cloud – Loud roar (similar to a freight train)

During a Tornado If you are… Inside a Structure: Go to a pre-designated safe room away from corners, windows, doors, or outside walls Manufactured home or office: Get out and go to a pre-identified location such as the lowest floor of a nearby building Outside: No best method when not inside a sturdy building. Try driving to a nearby shelter or take cover in a stationary car if there is flying debri. If you do not have access to a vehicle, lie in an area lower than the level of the roadway and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.

After a Tornado Check-in with family and friends Watch out for debris and downed power lines If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust. Tap on a wall or use a whistle (if you have one) so rescuers can locate you Stay out of damaged buildings and homes until notified that it is safe Photograph the damage to your property for filing an insurance claim Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm If your home is without power, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns rather than candles to prevent accidental fires

Floods

Flood Watch = Be Aware Stay tuned to the radio or TV for updates Plan out where you would need to go if a flood did occur Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit Bring in outdoor furniture and move important indoor items to the highest possible floor Disconnect electrical appliances and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water If instructed, turn off your gas and electricity at the main switch or valve

Flood Warning = Take Action Move immediately to higher ground or stay on high ground. Evacuate if directed and avoid walking or driving through flood waters. 6 inches of fast moving water can knock over an adult 12 inches of rushing water can carry away a small car 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles

After a Flood Return home only when notified that it is safe Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded and watch out for debris Do not attempt to drive through areas that are still flooded Avoid standing water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines Photograph damage to your property for insurance purposes

Thunderstorms & Lightning

Lightning Risk Reduction If you are… In a forest: Seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees In an open area: Go to a low place such as a ravine or valley, be alert for flash bloods On open water: Get to land and find shelter immediately Rubber soled shoes and tires DO NOT provide protection from lightning Avoid contact with plugged-in devices Do not lie on concrete floors or against concrete walls Avoid contact with plumbing and bathroom fixtures, as they can conduct electricity Unplug appliances to protect from power surges

If Lightning Strikes… If you or someone you know is struck by lightning, call 911 as soon as possible Check: Breathing – if breathing has stopped, give mouth to mouth resuscitation Heartbeat – if the heart has stopped, administer CPR Pulse – if the individual has a pulse and is breathing, look for other possible injuries - Burns, nervous system damage, broken bones, hearing loss, loss of vision

Questions?

Resources https://www.cabarruscounty.us/news-events/communications- outreach/PublishingImages/GettyImages_496159725.jpg http://media.graytvinc.com/images/810*564/TORNADO-SM.jpg https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/climate-information/extreme-events/us-tornado-climatology http://www.ustornadoes.com/2016/04/06/annual-and-monthly-tornado-averages-across-the-united-states/ http://tadd.weather.gov/ http://www.huffinsurance.com/Portals/_assets/images/dp-flood.jpg https://www.earthmagazine.org/sites/earthmagazine.org/files/styles/full_width/public/2014- 12/shutterstock_122886430_Road_closed_flooding_northallertonman.png?itok=_PeZ8okH