During a Disaster
Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate. During times of extreme stress, it can be difficult to think clearly. Make sure your family has a plan and practices it often.
Above all, stay calm, and focus on what you can do to get through the situation.
Assemble your family and stay together.
Evaluate the situation and take appropriate actions.
Listen to or watch radio, tv broadcasts, or weather apps and stay tuned for updates.
Use your phone only for emergency calls. Send texts to contact family.
If evacuating, disconnect electrical appliances and shut off electrical circuits at the fuse panel.
Do not go sightseeing in disaster areas, and do not attempt to enter restricted areas.
Hurricanes
For a Hurricane WATCH:
Tune in to local weather for information.
Prepare to board up all your windows. Install shutter panels if you have them.
Bring objects inside that could fly around (trash cans, lawn furniture, etc.).
Recheck tie-downs on manufactured homes.
Assemble a disaster supply kit.
Fill your car’s tank with gasoline.
Identify places where you can go if told to evacuate.
If told to evacuate, do so immediately!
For a Hurricane WARNING:
Keep disaster supply kit on hand.
Stay indoors and away from windows if you are advised not to evacuate.
Be aware of the eye of the hurricane (calm center). This lasts seconds. The most severe part of the storm comes just after the calm eye is present.
Tornadoes
During a Tornado:
Tune in to local weather for information.
Go to basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level in the building.
Get under sturdy furniture or a mattress. Hold on to it.
If in a mobile home, get out. Find safer shelter elsewhere.
If you are outdoors:
If possible, get inside.
If there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building.
Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
If you are in a car:
Never try to out-drive a tornado. Tornadoes change direction quickly and can easily lift a car into the air.
Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building.
If there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the car.
Floods and Flash Floods
Flood and Flash Flood Watch:
Tune in to local weather for information. Keep alert for intense rainfall/rising waters.
Prepare. Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit.
Be ready to evacuate. Identify places to go.
Fill your car’s gas tank. Prepare a road map marked with 2 alternative routes.
Flood Warning:
Be prepared to evacuate. If told to leave, do so quickly.
Flash Flood Warning:
Leave low-lying area immediately and seek higher ground.
If driving in a low-lying area or if your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out of the car and seek higher ground immediately.
Stay away from storm drains, irrigation ditches, and creek or river areas.
You may have only seconds to escape during a flash flood.
Barricades are for your protection. Do not drive through them.
