After an Emergency - Returning Home

If you have to leave your home during an emergency, there are a few things you should do when you return home. Before entering your home, walk carefully around the outside. Check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. If you are concerned about safety, call an inspector to have your residence tested.

When you return home, check for damage. Watch for loose boards, slippery floors, broken glass and other hazards. Use a flashlight. Do not light matches or candles or turn on electrical switches if you suspect damage. Check for fires, fire hazards and other household dangers. Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows and get everyone outside quickly. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids immediately.

Below is a Home Safety Check:

• Look for cracks and other signs of structural damage of the roof, foundation and chimney.
• If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, open a window and leave immediately. Turn off the main gas valve outside, but remember that you will need a professional to turn it back on.
• Check the electrical system, but don’t touch anything electrical if you are wet, standing in water, or unsure of your safety. Don’t turn on the lights unless you are sure they are safe. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.
• Don’t use electrical or gas appliances that have been wet. Unplug and let them dry out. Have them checked by a professional before using them again.
• Damaged sewer systems can create a serious health hazard. Check with the local health department (304-675-3050) before using any water, including for drinking, cooking, or personal hygiene. Have septic tanks, and other systems serviced as soon as possible.
• Run a test to make sure your smoke detector is working properly. Get a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it.

At Home Emergency

During an emergency, you might be cut off from food, water and electricity for several days or more. If power is out, food stores may be closed and your water supply may not work. Here are some suggestions

WATER—If a disaster catches you without a supply of clean water, you can use ice cubes and the water in your hot-water tank or pipes. You can also use clean water from the back of the toilet tank, not the bowl. If it is safe to go outside, you can also purify water from streams or rivers, rainwater, ponds and lakes, natural springs and snow by boiling for 5 minutes, distilling or disinfecting. To purify water with bleach, use 10 drops of bleach per gallon of water. Use only regular household liquid bleach containing only 5.25% sodium hypochlorite.

FOOD—During and right after an emergency, it will be important to keep up your strength by eating at least one well-balance meal each day. Take vitamin, mineral and/or protein supplements.

IF THE ELECTRICITY GOES OFF—First, check to see if you neighbors have power. The problem may be in your home. If they also have lost power, check with the power company to see when power might come back on. Turn off or unplug all major appliances. When appliances come back on. Turn off or unplug all major appliances. When the appliances, such as refrigerators are left on, they could overload electric lines when power is turned back on, causing a second outage. Use the phone only when absolutely necessary. If the only problem is downed lines, your cell phone or car phone will work.

FROZEN PLUMBING—Plumbing can freeze when power is lost during cold weather periods. You can turn off the water supply at the main intake pipe, drain your system and leave a faucet open to avoid air lock. Be ready to go to a shelter if warmth and protection are needed during a long power outage.

Chainsaw Safety

• Operate, adjust, and maintain the saw according to manufacturer’s instructions provided in the manual accompanying the chain saw.
• Properly sharpen chain saw blades and properly lubricate the blade with bar and chain oil. Additionally, the operator should periodically check and adjust the tension of the chain saw blade to ensure good cutting action.
• Choose the proper size of a chain saw to match the job, and include safety features such as a chain brake, front and rear hand guards, stop switch, chain catcher and a spark arrester.
• Wear the appropriate protective equipment, including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, heavy work gloves, cut-resistant legwear (chain saw chaps) that extend from the waist to the top of the foot, and boots which cover the ankle.
• Avoid contact with power lines until the lines are verifies as being de-energized.
• Always cut at waist level or below to ensure that you maintain secure control over the chain saw.
• Bystanders or coworkers should remain at least 2 tree lengths (at least 150 feet) away from anyone falling a tree and at least 30 feet from anyone operating a chain saw to remove limbs or cut a fallen tree.
• If injury occurs, apply direct pressure over site of heavy bleeding, this act may save lives.

BEWARE OF INJURY FROM THE RELEASE OF BENT TREES OR BRANCHES

Take extra care in cutting “spring poles” trees or branches that have gotten bent, twisted, hung up on, or caught under another object during a high wing. If the tree or the branch is suddenly released, it may strike the person cutting it, or a bystander, with enough force to cause serious injury or death. Even a seemingly small tree or branch may pose a hazard when it is release from tension.

What should I do when under a BOIL WATER ADVISORY?

For personal use, create a supply of water for cooking, drinking, and tooth brushing by bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute. Timing starts when the water starts to bubble. Cool the water then place in clean containers for use or refrigerate.

Hot (not boiled) soapy water can be used for dishwashing and kitchen/bathroom surface cleaning. As a precaution, add one tablespoon of bleach per gallon. Laundry water does not need to be treated. Unless specifically listed, water for showering does not need to be treated.

What is a "boil water advisory?"

A boil water advisory (BWA) is issued to protect the community from waterborne infectious agents. A BWA is issued only after careful consideration among representatives from public health, regulatory agencies, and municipal departments after positive tests (e.g., positive samples for fecal coliforms, changes in turbidity measurements) or line breaks.

Sanitation and Hygiene

One result of the flood may be a lapse in basic hygiene during the emergency period. It is critical for you to remember to practice basic hygiene. You must wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected:

• Before preparing or eating food
• After toilet use
• After participating in flood cleanup activities
• After handling articles contaminated with flood water or sewage.

Flood waters may contain fecal material from overflowing sewage systems, and agricultural and industrial byproducts. Although skin contact with flood water does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk, there is some risk of disease from eating or drinking anything contaminated with flood water. If you have any open cuts or sores that will be exposed to flood water, keep them as clean as possible by washing well with soap to control infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.

In addition, parents need to help children avoid water-borne illness. Do not allow children to play in flood water areas, wash children's hands frequently (especially before meals), and do not allow children to play with flood water contaminated toys that have not been disinfected. You can disinfect toys using a solution of one cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water.

CLEANING UP

During an emergency, household chemicals can spill or leak creating potentially serious hazards. Take precautions to keep children and pets away. Be careful cleaning up hazardous substances. Don’t combine chemicals or dump them down drains or toilets.

If your basement is flooded you will undoubtedly feel a sense of urgency to get the water out fast. If the ground outside is still waterlogged, emptying the basement quickly can lead to structural damage, collapsed walls or a buckled floor. Instead, gradually pump the water out over a period of several days.

Germs and mold become major hazards after a flood. Keep lots of bleach handy to sterilize water and hard surfaces. Remember to protect yourself, wear rubber boots and gloves, keep a window open and use unscented bleach. Hose down all floors, walls and ceilings with clean water, both basement and house. This should be done before the surfaces dry, if possible. Scrub all surfaces using soap or detergent and clean water (preferably hot). Disinfect surfaces with a solution of laundry bleach (4 tablespoons of laundry bleach per one gallon of clean water.

Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners, the chemical reaction is toxic. Bleach can be used to clean mold off hard surfaces, however mold laden cloth and other hard-to-clean items (like carpet) will need to be removed.

Clothing and some furniture and household furnishings can be salvaged but discard whatever cannot be cleaned and dried:

• • Furniture—Most wooden, metal or plastic furniture can be salvage for use. First brush off all dirt and loose material. Wash all surfaces with soap or detergent and clean water (preferably hot). Dry thoroughly, preferably in open air and sunshine.
• • Mattresses and Stuffed Furniture-These items cannot be readily cleaned and disinfected, they should be destroyed.
• • Curtains and Draperies-Wash with hot water and soap or detergent. Dry thoroughly in open air and sunshine where possible. Professional cleaning is preferred.
• • Rugs—Flush with clean water while they are still on the floor. Shampoos with water and soap, then rinse and dry, preferably in open air and sunshine. If possible, have the rugs cleaned by a reliable cleaning firm.
• • Clothing—Wash all washable fabrics with hot water and soap or detergent. Dry thoroughly in the open air and sunshine or in an automatic clothes dryer. Professional cleaning is preferred, if possible.
• • Children’s Toys and Beds—If childrens beds, toys, cribs, playpens and playthings can be cleaned and disinfected, they can be saved. However, discard all toys which are absorbent and not easily cleaned and disinfected.
• • Appliances—Refrigerators, stoves and similar appliances that contain insulation (polyfoam, rock wool, fiberglass) cannot be readily cleaned and disinfected in the insulated areas. Those that appear to be salvageable should be checked by a serviceman before being put back into use.

Create an Emergency Supply Kit for Your Home

• Water — Store at least one gallon of water per person per day. Store extra for any pets.

• Non Perishable Food - Store items such as canned meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, crackers, cereal, granola and protein bars, and food for any pets.

• Personal Supplies — Hygiene products (such as toilet paper, tissues and hair and mouth products. Extra seasonal clothing and shoes. A blanket or sleeping bag for each person.

• Medical Basics — A first aid kit. Medications and medical supplies for you and other household members. Copies of prescriptions. Heating, vision and mobility aids and batteries if needed.

• General Supplies - A battery-powered or hand-cranked radio, a NOAA weather radio, a flashlight and extra batteries. Utensils, a multipurpose (ABC) fire extinguisher. Tools (shovel and wrenches to shut off utilities). Soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Plain chlorine bleach. Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape for sheltering in place. Copies of important documents (ID, Social Security cards, passports, copies of marriage and birth certificates, medical and immunization records, records of bank accounts, retirement accounts, insurance policies, credit cards, wills, contracts and deeds, a list of important contacts and phone numbers and veterinary records for any pets). Store the copies in waterproof containers.

After Flooding

Food: throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm wat3r, perishable foods and those with an unusual odor, color, or texture. WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT!

Identify and throw away food that may not be safe to eat.

• Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water.
• Throw away food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.
• Throw away perishable foods (including meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) in your refrigerator when the power has been off for 4 hours or more.
• Thawed food that contains ice crystals can be refrozen or cooked. If left unopened and full, it will keep food safe for 48 hours (24 hours if half full).
• Throw away canned food that are bulging, opened, or damaged.
• Food containers with screw-caps, snap-lids, crimped caps (like soda bottles) twist caps, flip tops, snap-open, and home canned foods should be discarded if they have come into contact with floodwater because they cannot be disinfected.
• If cans have come in contact with floodwater or storm water, remove the labels, wash the cans and dip them in a solution of 1 cup bleach in 5 gallons of water. Re-label the cans with a marker, including the expiration date.
• Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula.

CLEAN AND SANITIZE FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES

Centers for Disease Control recommends discarding wooden cutting boards, baby bottle nipples, and pacifiers. These items cannot be properly sanitized if they have come into contact with flood waters. Clean and sanitize food-contact surfaces in a four-step process:

1. Wash with soap and warm, clean water.
2. Rinse with clean water.
3. Sanitize by immersing for 1 minute in a solution of 1 teaspoon of chlorine bleach per gallon of clean water.
4. Allow to air dry.

Food That Has Been Exposed To Fire Damage

Several factors can affect food that has been exposed to fire including heat, toxic fumes, smoke and chemicals used to control the fire. Dispose of any fresh food that shows signs of damage from heat or fire, including ash or smoke. Any food that has come in contact with liquid waste, sewage, chemicals and flood waters may be damaged and should not be consumed. Any food displaying an off odor or signs of spoilage should also be thrown out. If food such as grains or flour is caked, doesn’t flow freely, or is contaminated with ash, water, or chemicals, discard and replace.

Excessive heat produced by fires can influence the safety of stored food. If the heat of the fire doesn’t cause the jar to break, high temperatures can cause some bacteria to spoil commercial or home-canned food. High temperatures can cause jar lids of home-canned food to come unsealed, allowing bacteria to get into the food. The jar lid may “seal” again when the temperature drops, causing an unsafe jar to appear safe. It is recommended that any home-canned food that has been exposed to the heat of fire be discarded. The jars may be reused but the food inside should be thrown away.

Toxic fumes can be released from burning materials and can contaminate food. Throw away food stored in permeable or semi-permeable packaging such as cardboard and plastic wrap. Also, home-canned food and food in screw-top jars may have been adversely affected by heat and toxic fumes and need to be thrown away. If a wildfire caused evacuation from your home and power was not available to keep refrigerators and freezers running, check food immediately since it may have spoiled. Frozen food still containing ice crystals can safely be refrozen, but discard any refrigerated food if the refrigerator temperature reached 40 F or higher. Place spoiled food in heavy trash bags and seal. Do not let bags come in contact with children or pets.

Generator Safety

Portable back-up generators produce the poison gas carbon monoxide (CO). CO is an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning. It claims the lives of hundreds of people every year and makes thousands more ill. Follow these steps to keep your family safe.

• Always read and follow the manufacturer's operating instructions before running generator
• Engines emit carbon monoxide. Never use a generator inside your home, garage, crawl space, or other enclosed areas. Fatal fumes can build up, that neither a fan nor open doors and windows can provide enough fresh air.
• Only use your generator outdoors, away from open windows, vents, or doors.
• Use a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector in the area you’re running a generator.
• Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable. Allow the generator engine to cool at least 2 minutes before refueling and always use fresh gasoline. If you do not plan to use your generator in 30 days, don’t forget to stabilize the gas with fuel stabilizer.
• Maintain your generator according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for peak performance and safety.
• Never operate the generator near combustible materials.
• If you have to use extension cords, be sure they are of the grounded type and are rated for the application. Coiled cords can get extremely hot; always uncoil cords and lay them in flat open locations.
• Never plug your generator directly into your home outlet. If you are connecting a generator into your home electrical system, have a qualified electrician install a Power Transfer Switch.
• Generators produce powerful voltage - Never operate under wet conditions. Take precautions to protect your generator from exposure to rain and snow.

Signs Of Heat Stroke

• Fainting, possibly the first sign
• Body temperature over 104°F
• A change in behavior—confusion, being grouchy, acting strangely, or staggering
• Dry flushed skin and a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse
• Not sweating even if it is hot, acting agitated, or being in a coma

Things you can do to lower your risk of heat-related illness:

• Drink plenty of liquids—water, fruit, or vegetable juices. Aim for eight glasses every day. Heat tends to make you lose fluids, so it is very important to remember to keep drinking liquids when it's hot. Try to stay away from drinks containing alcohol or caffeine. If your doctor has told you to limit your liquids, ask what you should do when it is very hot.
• If you live in a home or apartment without fans or air conditioning, try to keep your house as cool as possible.
• Limit your use of the oven. Cover windows with shades, blinds, or curtains during the hottest part of the day. Open your windows at night.
• If your house is hot, try to spend at least 2 hours during mid-day some place that has air conditioning—for example, go to the shopping mall, movies, library, senior center, or a friend's house.
• If you need help getting to a cool place, ask a friend or relative.
• Dress for the weather. Some people find natural fabrics such as cotton to be cooler than synthetic fibers. Light-colored clothes feel cooler. Don't try to exercise or do a lot of activities when it's hot.
• Avoid crowded places when it's hot outside. Plan trips during non-rush hour times.

Headache, confusion, dizziness, or nausea could be a sign of a heat-related illness. Go to the doctor or an emergency room to find out if you need treatment.

Older people can have a tough time dealing with heat and humidity. The temperature inside or outside does not have to reach 100°F to put them at risk for a heat-related illness.

To keep heat-related illnesses from becoming a dangerous heat stroke, remember to:

Get out of the sun and into a cool place—air-conditioning is best.

• Drink fluids, but avoid alcohol and caffeine. Water, fruit, or vegetable juices are good choices.
• Shower, bathe, or at least sponge off with cool water.
• Lie down and rest in a cool place.
• Visit your doctor or an emergency room if you don't cool down quickly.

Hypothermia

When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Low body temperature may make you unable to think clearly or move well. You may not know you have hypothermia. If your temperature is below 95°, the situation is an emergency—get medical attention immediately.

Recognizing Hypothermia

Adults: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness

Infants: bright red, cold skin, very low energy

What to Do

If you notice any of these signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95°, the situation is an emergency—get medical attention immediately.

If medical care is not available, begin warming the person, as follows:

Get the victim into a warm room or shelter.

• If the victim has on any wet clothing, remove it.
• Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. Or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
• Warm beverages can help increase the body temperature, but do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
• After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Make Emergency Plans For Home

Home emergency plans should include:

• A home emergency plan — This plan can be used if you have to leave your home quickly, such as during a fire. Have 2 escape paths from each room. Pick an outdoor meeting place. Hold drills regularly to practice your plan.
• A communication plan — This can help you contact family members and/or caregivers if you are apart when an emergency happens. Ask a family member or friend who lives in another community or state to serve as your main contact.
• An evacuation plan — Know where you’ll go if ordered to leave your home. Choose a meeting place that’s near your home but not in the same neighborhood.
• A plan for sheltering-in-place — Get your home ready to act as your emergency shelter in case you need to stay there. Pick a room to be your shelter. In general, choose one with few doors and windows.

Nuclear Exposure

A nuclear power plan accident, a nuclear explosion or a dirty bomb are examples of radiation emergencies. If something like this happens, you may be asked to get inside a building and take shelter for a period of time.

No matter where you are, the safest action to take is to: GET INSIDE. STAY INSIDE. STAY TUNED.

If you can, remove your outer layer of clothing before entering the building.

GET INSIDE:

• Close and lock all windows and doors.
• Go to the basement or the middle of the building. Radioactive material settles on the outside of buildings; so the best thing to do is stay as far away from the walls and roof of the building as you can.
• You could be contaminated with radioactive material if you are outside in an area when a radiation emergency happens. Radioactive materials can fall from the air like dust or sand and land on objects below, like people, buildings, cars and roads. Radioactive contamination can spread in the same way that dust or mud can be traced in the home or spread to another person or object.
• Bring pets inside.
• If your pet was outside, bring your pet inside.
• Wash your pet carefully with shampoo or soap and water and rinse completely.
• Wear waterproof gloves and a dust mask (or other material to cover your mouth) if you can.
• Keep cuts and scrapes (both yours and your pets) covered when washing your pet to keep radioactive material out of the wound.
• Wash your hands and face after washing your pet.
• Stay tuned for updated instructions from emergency response officials.

If you must be outside and cannot get inside, immediately cover your mouth and nose with a mask, cloth or towel.

If you are in a car, bus, or other vehicle during a radiation emergency:

• Get inside a building immediately. Cars will not provide protection from radiat5ion. If a brick or concrete multi-story building or basement can be safety reached within a few minutes, go there, however any building is safer than being outside.
• Once inside, go to the basement or the middle of the building. Radioactive material settles on the outside of buildings, so the best thing to do is stay as far away from the walls and roof of the building as you can.

WATER SAFETY

Scientists will test drinking water supplies to make sure they are safe. Until those results are available, bottled water is the only water that if free of contamination. BOILING TAP WATER DOES NOT GET RID OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS. You can drink water, juices or other drinks in sealed containers, the package protects the liquid inside from radioactive material. Water in other containers in your home, such as a toilet tank or hot water heater will also be free of radioactive material. You can still use tap or well water for cleaning yourself and your food.

FOOD SAFETY

Eat food in sealed containers (cans, bottles, boxes, etc.) Unspoiled foods in your refrigerator or freezer is also safe to eat. Food in a pantry or drawer away from radioactive material is safe to eat.

• Wipe off food containers with a damp cloth or clean towel before opening them. Put the used cloth or towel in a plastic bag or other sealable container and place the bag in an out-of-the-way place, away from other people and pets.
• Wipe off counters, places, post, and utensils with a damp cloth or clean towel before using them. Put the used cloth or towel in a plastic bag or other sealable container and place the bag in an out-of-the-way place, away from other people and pets.
• DO NOT pick or eat food from your garden until emergency officials determine it is safe to do so.

Just like people’s food, pet food in sealed containers (cans, bottles, boxes) will be safe for animals to eat. Wipe off pet food containers with a damp cloth or clean towel before opening them. Wipe off pet towels, dishes and mats too. Put the used cloth or towel in a plastic bag or other sealable container and place the bag in an out-of-the-way place, away from other people or pets.

Shelter In Place

If you are advised by local officials to “Shelter in Place,” they mean for you to remain to inside your home, workplace or school and protect yourself there. This would most likely happen in case of tornado, flood conditions, chemical or radiations accident or attach. Depending on the reason for sheltering:

• Go inside your home or the nearest building. Pick a room to be your shelter. In general, choose one with few doors and windows.
• Close all windows and doors, and turn off all ventilation systems.
• Get your Emergency Supplies Kit, and make sure your radio works.
• In case of a tornado, take refuge below ground, if possible.
• In the case of a chemical or radiation threat, if possible, take shelter in an interior room without windows that is above ground level. An above ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed. Using duct tape, plastic sheeting or damp towels, seal all cracks around the door, any windows and any vents into the room.
• Don’t use the phone, except for emergency messages.
• Turn on your radio or television to an emergency alert station. Keep listening until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas that are at greatest risk in your community.
• Bring pets inside.

Taking Care Of Pets

Emergency planning should include pets. Be aware that many shelters, such as Red Cross shelters, cannot accept pets because of health and safety regulations and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in Red Cross shelters.

If your family must go to a shelter or other site away from home, do not leave your pets at home. Instead, create a pet emergency plan in advance.

You may not be home when an evacuation order comes. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are likely to be and have a key to your home.

Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions number and size. Ask if “no pet” policies could be waived in an emergency. Or ask local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster.

Keep a list of “pet friendly” places, including phone numbers, with other emergency information and supplies.

Keep a pet emergency supplies kit with your emergency evacuation kit. Include a carrier box, immunization record, muzzles or leashes, pet food and supplies. Have an ID photo available in case they stray. Make sure all pets are wearing collars and securely fastened up-to-date identification.

Talking to Your Kids In Emergencies

Traumatic events can have a powerful impact on children. Graphic images of natural disasters and terrorist activities can result in children feeling that their safety is threatened. When there is an interruption in the natural flow of life, a child can experience anxiety and fear. These are normal reactions.

Be calm and reassure children that they are safe. Explain that the firefighters, police, doctors and the military are helping people who are hurt and are working to ensure that no future tragedies occur.

Let children know it’s normal to feel upset. Listen to what children tell you about their thoughts and feelings and don’t dismiss their fears. Encourage the children to talk about these feelings and help put them into perspective.

Observe a child’s emotional state. Children who at first hold back fear or grief may experience delayed stress symptoms later, such as reverting to outgrown childish behavior, sleeplessness, anxiety, nightmares, or even depression. Children respond to praise, and parents should make a deliberate effort not to focus on the child’s immature behavior.

Tell children the truth. Don’t try to pretend the event has occurred or that it is not serious. Fantasized danger can be as real and threatening as actual danger to them. Be patient and do not belittle their fears, but listen with understanding, love and factual explanations.

Keep explanations appropriate for the child’s age. Elementary school age children need brief, simple information that should be balanced with reassurances that the daily structures of their lives will not change. Upper middle school and high school-age students will be more committed to doing something to help the victims and the affected community. Encourage all children to speak about their thoughts and feelings. Be a good listener.

Weather: Watch versus Warnings

A Watch means that the potential exists for the development of severe thunderstorms or tornadoes, depending upon the specific type of watch issued. In the case of tornado watch, this does not mean that a tornado has been seen or even indicated on radar…it just means that conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes in thunderstorms. While no immediate action on the part of the general public is required for the issuance of a watch, citizens should keep up to date on the current weather situation and be prepared to seek shelter if necessary.

A Warning, on the other hand, requires more immediate action and should be taken seriously. A severe thunderstorm warning indicates that severe weather is imminent in your area or is already occurring. A tornado warning means that a tornado has either been either spotted by a human observer or indicated by Doppler radar. Once a tornado warning is issued for your area, you should take cover immediately…as the likelihood of you being directly impacted by a tornado is at a heightened risk.

What Additional Items Should I Take If I Must Go To A Shelter?

If you must leave your home to go to a shelter, please take the following items. Shelters are not designed to provide all your personal items for you—they are designed to protect you from extreme heat and cold and a place to sleep or receive meals. Take the following for each of your family members.

• Medications
• Food—it may take a few hours before the food supply will arrive at the shelter.
• Pillows, blankets, sheets, towels, linens. Most shelters will provide cots but may not have additional supplies.
• Toiletries-such as toothbrush, soap, toothpaste and deodorant.
• Games, books, magazines to help occupy your time.
• If you have an oxygen concentrator—bring and extension cord if you have one.