Get In, Get Down and Cover Up.!

When a warning is issued, "Get In, Get Down, and Cover Up" !

Get In - Get as far inside a strong building as you can and stay away from windows, which can easily break during strong winds or from flying debris.

Get Down - Get as low as possible by going to the lowest floor. A basement or underground shelter is best, if available. By crouching down, you are minimizing the possibility of being hit by flying debris.

Cover Up - Cover yourself (especially your head) with a pillow, blankets or even a mattress to further protect yourself from flying debris. If possible, get beneath a workbench or table. Before severe weather threatens.

Learn about severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, what kinds of damage they can produce and the dangers they present.  Have an emergency action plan for both your home and your workplace. Know where you will go if a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued.  Know what county you live and work in and where within your county you are located.

Before heading outdoors for an extended time, check the latest forecasts. If the risk of threatening weather is high, you may need to postpone your plans.

Make sure you always have access to a reliable source of weather information. A battery-powered NOAA weather radio will always provide you with the very latest weather information including watches and warnings, and radios with an alarm feature will automatically alert you of any watches or warnings issued.

When a tornado warning is issued or a tornado is approaching  Move to a pre-designated shelter such as a basement, bathroom or closet in a home or building. Move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture if an underground shelter is not available. In a large building such as a shopping center, go to the designated shelter area or to a small reinforced area within the building such as a restroom. Avoid areas with a large roof expanse as they have a tendency to collapse under the stress of a tornado or downburst winds.

Stay away from windows.

Do not stay in a vehicle. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car. Go to a safe shelter if available or get into a ditch and protect your head with your hands. Be aware of flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned. Go to a reinforced shelter immediately. A thunderstorm is classified as severe if it produces Hail 3/4" or greater (about the size of a penny) Winds gusting in excess of 50 knots (about 58 mph)  A tornado.

Please go to our files section. Look up SOP’s and read the Severe Weather SOG #53.. This will help you get ideas about how to protect yourself and your family.

Remember Hurricane Season is around the corner!