Monthly Archives: March 2012

With the severe weather that hit Southern Illinois earlier this week and the chance for more severe weather tomorrow, I thought it would be a good idea to post some tips to prepare for severe weather for you and your families. Tornadoes and windstorms can destroy entire neighborhoods within minutes and leave a path of devastation stretching for miles.

That doesn’t mean you are defenseless, however. You can act now to prepare your home for most types of severe weather. More importantly, you can prepare your family to ride out a storm in safety.

If you haven’t made those preparations yet, now’s the time to begin. First thing you can do is prepare an emergency kit including some of the below items:

Food Items:

* Bottled water
* Bread
* Crackers
* Cookies, snacks
* Canned fruit
* Canned meat, fish
* Dried fruit
* Canned/boxed beverages
* Fruit drinks
* Peanut butter

Non-Food Items:

* Plastic forks and cups
* Napkins
* Can opener (non-electric)
* Batteries for flashlights and radio
* Plastic trash bags
* Charcoal
* Water purifying tablets
* Flashlights
* Candles and matches
* Clothing and bedding
* Extra socks and underwear
* Pillows
* Sleeping bag and blankets
* Washcloth and towel for each person
* Soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste
* Deodorant
* Shaving kit
* Contact lens solution
* Hair care items and mirror
* Dentures
* Sanitary napkins and tampons
* Paper towels, toilet paper
* Hearing aid batteries
* Watch or clock

First Aid Kit:

Keep contents of first aid kit in a waterproof metal or plastic box.

* Prescription medicines (four-week supply)
* Bandages and Band-Aids
* Antiseptic
* Adhesive tape rolls
* Aspirin
* Ibuprofen
* Allergy medication
* Insect repellent
* First aid handbook
* Scissors
* Antibacterial soap
* Safety pins
* Thermometer
* Needle (for splinters)

Items for Infants:

* Small toys – don’t forget favorite stuffed animals
* Clothes
* Diapers and baby wipes
* Milk or formula
* Powders, creams or ointments
* Bottles and nipples
* Baby food
* Sheets, blankets, rubber pads
* Portable crib
* Plastic bags
* Pacifiers

You should also store some basic hand tools such as a hammer, nails, screwdrivers, wrench and small hatchet. These could be useful if you need to make emergency repairs to your home later. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the emergency kit is kept.

Develop an emergency plan, too!

Most public safety experts strongly recommend that you develop an “emergency plan” and review it with your family. Children may be at school and adults at work when the storm hits. Have a plan for getting back together in a safe place that you’ve all agreed on. Ask an out-of-state relative to serve as a central family contact point. Post the written emergency plan in a place where your family knows to look, and don’t forget to add an extra copy to your emergency kit.

Warning Signs of Severe Weather

Weather forecasting is not an exact science and dangerous weather can occur almost any time. That’s why it’s important to learn the warning signs of severe weather.

If you suspect that a tornado, hurricane or other violent storm is entering your area, check your local radio or television station for advisories. But remember that storms can develop rapidly and could strike your area before a formal warning is issued.

Keep your eyes and ears open. Pay attention to blowing debris, hail and the roaring train-like sound of an approaching tornado. If you live in a coastal area, heed all hurricane advisories and take appropriate action.

It’s also important to understand these important terms:

* Tornado watch – Conditions are right for the possible formation of tornadoes, dangerous thunderstorms and high winds. Postpone outdoor activities in your area and stay tuned for regular weather updates.

* Tornado warning – Actual tornadoes have been sighted in your area.

Severe Weather Preparedness Series: Thunderstorms
Before

Know the terms used to describe severe thunderstorm threats:

* Severe Thunderstorm Watch — Severe thunderstorms are possible. Watch the sky and listen to radio or television for more information. Be prepared to take shelter.
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning — Severe thunderstorms are occurring. Take shelter, turn on a battery-operated radio or television, and wait for the “all clear” announcement by authorities.

* Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio with battery backup and tone-alert feature which automatically alerts you when a Watch or Warning is issued. Know the county(s) in which you live and work. The NWS uses county names when watches, warnings, and advisories are issued and broadcast.
* Check the weather forecast before leaving for extended periods outdoors and postpone plans if severe weather is imminent.
* Keep a list of emergency phone numbers. Teach children how and when to call 911 for emergency assistance.
* Choose an out of area contact that separated family members can call to report their whereabouts and condition.
* Keep important documents and records in a safe deposit box or other secure location.

During

* Close all windows and doors. Draw the shades or blinds on windows. If window or door glass breaks due to high winds, shades might reduce the risk from flying glass.
* Monitor the radio or television for the latest weather information.
* Avoid using the telephone or other electrical appliances until the storm passes.
* Turn off air-conditioners. If lightning strikes, a power surge could damage the compressor.
* Delay taking baths/showers, until after the storm passes.
* If outdoors , seek shelter immediately. If you can hear thunder, you are probably close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.
* If you are in a boat when a thunderstorm threatens, you should attempt to reach shore as quickly as possible.
* If you are driving, pull safely to the shoulder of the road away from trees and power lines. Lightning would bounce from trees or power poles into a vehicle through the radio antenna.
* If you find yourself in a position where there is no immediate shelter available, find a low spot away from trees and power poles where you can squat low to the ground. Make yourself the smallest target possible.

After

* Monitor the radio or television for emergency information or instructions.
* Check for injured victims. Render first aid if necessary. Most victims of lightning strikes can be revived with CPR. Do not attempt to move severely injured victims unless absolutely necessary. Wait for emergency medical assistance to arrive.
* Take photos or videotape the damage to your home or property.
* Do not make unnecessary telephone call.
* If driving, be alert for hazards in the roadway.
* Check on neighbors/relatives who may require special assistance.