Severe Weather Awareness Week

Monday - Lightning Safety

Outdoor Safety:

• No outdoor location is safe during a thunderstorm.
• Plan ahead and stay informed about the weather.
• Seek immediate shelter in a sturdy building or enclosed vehicle when thunder is heard. Avoid seeking shelter in non-sturdy shelter.
• Avoid open fields, elevated areas, and tall, isolated objects like trees and telephone poles.
• If camping, seek shelter in valleys or ravines; tents do not provide protection.
• If in a group, spread out to minimize the risk of lightning traveling between individuals.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming outdoor activities.

Indoor Safety:

• Avoid direct contact with electricity sources, such as plugged-in appliances.
• Refrain from using plumbing facilities, including washing hands, bathing or washing dishes.
• Keep away from windows, doors and porches.
• Avoid lying on concrete floors or leaning against concrete walls.
• Ensure the safety of pets by not leaving them in dog houses or chained outside.

Tuesday - Tornado Safety

Wednesday - Preparedness

The National Weather Service will conduct a tornado drill on Wednesday, March 27 at 10 a.m. CDT/9 a.m. MDT through NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio. Local officials may also sound their warning sirens. This is a great opportunity for everyone to practice their severe weather safety plans!

• Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for severe weather. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. Check the Weather-Ready Nation for tips.
• Sign Up for Notifications: Know how your community sends warning. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smart phones to alert residents to severe storms.
• Create a Communications Plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. Pick a safe room in your home such as a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Get more ideas for a plan here: Make A Plan | Ready.gov
• Practice Your Plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a damaging wind or large hail is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when severe thunderstorm warnings are issued. Don't forget pets if time allows.
• Prepare Your Home: Keep trees and branches trimmed near your house. If you have time before severe weather hits, secure loose objects, close windows and doors, and move any valuable objects inside or under a sturdy structure.
• Help Your Neighbor: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for severe thunderstorms. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt during severe weather.

Thursday - Hail & Wind Safety

• Stay inside if possible.
• Turn off all outside lights.
• Fasten down your yard.
• Go inside the bathroom.
• Move away from windows.
• Don't use electrical equipment.
• Expect damage and prepare for it.
• If you are outdoors, go indoors immediately.

Friday - Flood Safety

• Prepare for potential flooding!
• Stay informed! Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, local radio/television and the internet or social media for the latest information and updates.
• Get to higher ground. Leave flood prone areas and relocate to safer grounds before floodwaters block access. If instructed to evacuate, take immediate action.
• DO NOT drive into flood streets or go around barricades, as 12-18 inches of water can wash away most vehicles. It's hard to gauge the water's depth, and the road may be damaged. If your vehicle stops, abandon it and seek higher ground to prevent being swept away by the water along with your vehicle.
• DO NOT walk, swim or engage in activities in floodwater. It's difficult to assess the speed of the flow or detect hidden hazards like holes or submerges debris, putting you at risk of being carried away. Even as little as six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off your feet. Additionally, there's a danger of contamination from hazardous materials in the water. Keep in mind that water conducts electricity; if there are downed power lines, there's a risk of electrocution.
• DO NOT enter any room where water has reached electrical outlets or cords. If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping sounds, EXIT IMMEDIATELY. Avoid entering flooded basements, as the structural integrity may be compromised.