Be Prepared During Severe Weather: Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Storms, Flooding, and Extreme Heat

Severe weather phenomena such as hurricanes, tornadoes, storms, flooding and extreme heat have the potential to inflict substantial harm and jeopardize personal well-being.  Being ready for such disasters is crucial to minimize their impact. This article provides essential disaster preparedness tips.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are powerful storms that can cause widespread damage due to high winds, heavy rainfall and storm surges.

1. Create an Emergency Kit

• Include non-perishable food, water (at least one gallon per person per day for three days), medications, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit and important documents.
• Don’t forget supplies for pets and infants if applicable.

2. Develop a Family Communication Plan

• Ensure all family members know how to contact each other.

3. Secure Your Home

• Install storm shutters or board up windows.

4. Stay informed

• Monitor weather updates and alerts from local news.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that can cause catastrophic damage. Preparedness and quick action are essential for survival.

1. Identify a Safe Room

• Designate a small windowless room on the lowest level of your home, such as a basement or an interior room as your safe room.

2. Create an Emergency Kit

• Include food, water, medication, a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit and a whistle to signal for help.

3. Know the Warning Signs

• Be aware of the signs of a tornado, including a rotating funnel-shaped cloud or a loud roar (similar to a freight train). Monitor weather updates and alerts from local news.

4. Practice Your Plan

• Conduct regular tornado drills with your family

Severe storms

Severe storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, hail and lightening, leading to flooding and other hazards.

1. Secure Outdoor Items

• Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations and anything else that could be blown away.

2. Stay Indoors and Avoid Windows

• Stay inside during the storm and keep away from windows and glass doors.

3. Prepare for Power Outages

• Have an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
• Unplug electronics to protect them from power surges.

Flooding

Floods can occur with little warning and cause significant damage.  Never drive through flooded roads. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

1. Know Your Risk

• Check if you live in a flood zone and understand the types of flooding that can affect your area.

 

2. Create an Emergency Plan

• Plan and practice an evacuation route. Know where you will go and how you will get there.

3. Protect Important Documents

• Store important documents in a waterproof container or digitally.

4. Prepare Your Home

• Keep gutters and drains clear of debris.

Extreme Heat

Extreme Heat can be life-threatening, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children and those with pre-existing health conditions. Taking steps to stay cool and hydrated is vital.

1. Stay Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.

 

2. Stay Cool

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

3. Limit Outdoor Activities

• Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.)

4. Check on Vulnerable Invididuals

• Ensure that ederly neighbors and family members, have access to cool environments and are staying hydrated.

Being prepared for severe weather events can significantly reduce risk and help protect your family and property.  By following these tips and creating a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan, you can be better equipped to handle hurricanes, tornadoes and extreme heat. For more information and additional resources, visit the Ready.gov website. Click on the specific page dedicated to each of these categories for detailed guidance.