Thunderstorm Safety Page 2
STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE STORM!
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest severe thunderstorm
WATCHES and WARNINGS. Thunderstorms are rapidly-changing and are rarely the same size, intensity, or in the
same place than they were five minutes ago. Frequent updates are critical. Television/radio warnings or tornado
sirens may come too late or not at all. Your eyes and ears are the best detection system. Stay alert!
NOAA WEATHER RADIO IS THE BEST MEANS TO RECEIVE WARNINGS FROM THE NWS
The National Weather Service continuously broadcasts updated weather warnings and forecasts that can be
received by NOAA Weather Radios, which are sold in many stores. The average range is 40 miles, depending on
topography. Your National Weather Service recommends purchasing a radio that has both a battery backup and a
tone-alert feature that automatically alerts you when a watch or warning is issued.
What to Listen For:
- SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH: tells you when and where severe thunderstorms are more likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to know when warnings are issued. Watches are intended to heighten public awareness and should not be confused with warnings.
- SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING: issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm. Also listen for Tornado Watch or Warning and Flash Flood Watch or Warning.
- Also listen for Tornado Watch or Warning and flash Flood Watch or Warning.
FAMILY DISASTER PLAN
Families should be prepared for all hazards that could affect their area. NOAA's National Weather Service,
the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the American Red Cross urge every family to develop a family
disaster plan.
Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere: at work, at school, or in the car.
How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe? Disaster may force you to evacuate your
neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services (water, gas, electricity or
telephones) were cut off?
Follow these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan:
I. Gather information about hazards . Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency management
office, and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond.
Learn your community's warning signals and evacuation plans.
II. Meet with your family to create a plan. Discuss the information you have gathered. Pick two places to meet: a spot
outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you can't return
home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your "family check-in contact" for everyone to call if the family gets
separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.
III. Implement your plan.
(1) Post emergency telephone numbers by phones;
(2) Install safety features in your house, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers;
(3) Inspect your home for potential hazards (such as items that can move, fall, break, or catch fire) and correct them;
(4) Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and how
and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity in your home;
(5) Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number;
(6) Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit
with items you may need in case of an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as
backpacks or duffle bags. Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller disaster
supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
A DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT SHOULD INCLUDE:
- A 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil
- one change of clothing and footwear per person
- one blanket or sleeping bag per person
- a first aid kit, including prescription medicines
- emergency tools, including a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a portable radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries
- an extra set of car keys and a credit card or cash
- special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
IV. Practice and maintain your plan. Ask questions to make sure your family remembers meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries two times each year. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions. Replace stored water and food every 6 months. Contact your local National Weather Service office, American Red Cross chapter, or local office of emergency management for a copy of "Your Family Disaster Plan" (L-191/ARC4466).