Safety Rules
These are basic rules
that should be followed, they are by no means comprehensive.
Reference links are provided for those that wish to research
additional material. The information here is closely related
to preparedness and the reader is encouraged to review that section
also. You should have a preparedness kit for the home and car,
along with a cell phone.
Extreme Heat/Cold -
Know what wind chill
and heat advisories are and when they are issued.
This is a seasonal
issue for much of the United States. Much of this is common
sense stuff, but will be partially outlined here. In all
cases, when the weather turns extreme check on the elderly.
During cold weather
you should carry an emergency kit in your car that includes blankets
and snack food. At home, make sure that your heating unit is
checked as winter approaches and that gas fired systems are
inspected. Additionally, chimneys should be cleaned
periodically. Take frequent breaks if working outside,
especially shoveling snow.
During warmer months
make sure to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks if working
outdoors. Inspect home cooling systems as summer approaches.
Flood/Flash Flood -
For some reason people
get real stupid when flooding occurs. The rules are simple:
Know the difference
between the different types of flood and flash flood watches, and
warnings.
At home - move to
higher ground. Let someone outside your area know the
situation. Be aware of weather conditions that might lead to
flash flooding and where you can go in such a situation.
In the car - don't drive into water. Two feet of water can
lift the average vehicle. If you're lucky the only think
you'll lose is your car.
Elsewhere - avoid flooded areas and/or move to higher ground.
Lightning -
In a building - stay
away from windows and wired telephones. Electronic equipment
should be unplugged, including cable.
Outdoors - Seek shelter. If none is available stay away from
trees and wide open areas where you are the tallest object. In
this situation crouch to the ground, do not lay flat on the ground.
Stay away from bodies of water.
In a car - stay in the car.
Severe Thunderstorm -
Remember that Severe
thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes and winds
above 80 mph.
Know the difference
between a watch and a warning.
In a building - make
sure loose objects outside are secured or moved indoors.
Stay away from windows. Follow rules for lightning safety. Be aware of quickly
changing weather conditions.
In a car - move completely off the road if unable to travel due to
low visibility. Do NOT stop under overpasses, especially on
the roadway. Also, do NOT seek shelter under an overpass.
Outdoors - seek shelter. Follow lightning safety rules.
Mobile Home - Leave for stronger shelter.
Tornado -
Know the difference
between a watch and a warning.
At home - seek shelter
in the center of the structure or put as many walls between you and
the outside as possible. Go to the lowest floor of the
structure and stay away from windows. Protect yourself as best you can.
In a free-span building - seek shelter in an area that does not have a
free-span roof.
In a car - attempt to move at right angles from the tornado.
Find shelter, if possible. As a last resort, leave your car
for a ditch. Attempting to outrun the tornado is frequently
considered a better option than getting in the ditch. Do NOT
seek shelter under an overpass.
Mobile Home - Leave for stronger shelter.
Winter Weather -
Know the
difference between the different types of winter weather
advisories, watches, and warnings.
At home - have a preparedness kit and blankets on hand.
Have at least three days worth of food and water.
In a car - Keep blankets and food with you. Call ahead and
let other people know where you are traveling.
Elsewhere - get to a warm area.
