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

2. Tornadoes

3. 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)

4. 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.

5. 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

6. Floods

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Thunderstorms & Lightning

11. 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

12. 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

13. Questions?

14. Resources
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