Some measures to help you weather major storms:
-Shutter or board windows.

-Secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture or garbage cans that could blow away and cause damage or injury.

-Never touch or go near downed power lines, even if you think they are safe.

-In extreme conditions, consider shutting off power lines and appliance gas switches to prevent damage to your appliances.

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During severe weather:
-Dress appropriately for weather conditions.

-Stay updated by watching TV or listening to the radio. The National Weather Service broadcasts forecasts, wearnings and other information 24 hours a day. Special weather radios are available at local retail stores.

During hot weather, stay cool:
-Stay out of the sun. When in the sun, wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15)

-Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible to prevent sunburn.

-Give your body a chance to adjust to extreme temperature changes.

-Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids.

-Use shades are awnings.

-Never leave children, pets, or those who require special care in a parked car during periods of intense summer heat.

WEATHER DISASTERS

Winter Weather | Extreme Heat | Lightning | Floods | Hurricanes

IN A THUNDERSTORM

• Avoid hanging metal, electical equipment, telephones, bathtubs, water faucets and sinks because lightening can follow the wires and pipes. Be especially careful with televisions.
  
• If there is a severe thunderstorm, take cover immediately in a stable facility but avoid trees.

IN A FLASH FLOOD

• Seek high ground. Never attempt to drive your vehicle through standing water.

IN A TORNADO

• Go to your basement or the lowest point of your residence, or an interior room or hallway without windows. If you cannot find shelter, take cover in a ditch or recessed area.

WINTER WEATHER

• Wear hats, scarves, layers and water-repellant coats. Wear mittens instead of gloves; they are warmer.
  
• Make sure small children--especially babies--stay warm, as infants can easily become hypothermic under conditions that would not necessarily be as dangerous for adults.
  
• Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors.
  
• Take your time while shoveling snow or pushing a car. Stretch before you go out and drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids in order to avoid overexertion.
  Be sure to clear snow from your tail pipe before you start your car to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

SAFE HEATING:

• Fuel-burning items (such as furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters and clothes dryers) should be working, ventilated and inspected by a professional regularly in order to prevent unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning.
  
• Electric heaters should be used with extreme caution to prevent shock, fire and burns.
  
• Materials near heaters should be kept at least three feet from the heat source to prevent fire.
  
• Gas ovens and burners should never be used to heat your home. INDOORS:
  A winter storm could cause electricity to go out. Be prepared to be without electricity and conventional forms or heating and cooking.

• Keep an adequate supply of heating fuel on hand and use it sparingly. Your regular supplies may be curtailed by storm conditions. If necessary, conserve fuel by keeping the house cooler than usual, or by "closing off" some rooms temporarily. Since most furnaces are controlled by electric thermostats, have available some kind of emergency heating equipment and fuel so you can keep at least one room of your house warm enough to be livable, should you experience a power failure. Common examples of emergency heating equipment are camp stoves, kerosene heaters, or a supply of wood if you have a fireplace.
  

• Wear a sweater or coat indoors
  

• Have on hand a good supply of blankets

• Keep on hand flashlights with fresh batteries, or supply of candles or lanterns to provide light in power-failure situations.
  

• Keep an emergency supply of food on hand. Included should be food that does not require refrigeration or cooking. Also stock an emergency supply of water.
  

• Keep on hand the simple tools and equipment needed to fight a fire, should the help of your local fire temperament not be available.
  

• Keep a battery-powered radio in working order by making sure batteries (and extra batteries) are fresh so that you can listen to weather forecasts, information, and other emergency broadcasts by local authorities.

TRAVEL: Avoid travel during snow or icy conditions. If you are forced to use your automobile for a trip of any distance, take these precautions:

• Make sure your car is in good condition, properly serviced, and equipped with chains or snow tires.
  
• Maintain a full tank of gas, if at all possible.
  

• Have emergency winter storm supplies in the car, such as a container of booster cables, tow-line or rope, and a flashlight. It is also good to have with you a warm blanket, heavy gloves or mittens, overshoes, extra woolen socks, and winter headgear to cover your head and face.
  

• Take another person with you if possible. (If you must travel alone, make sure someone knows the route you will be taking.)
  

• Travel by daylight and use major highways if you can. Keep the car radio turned on for weather information and other emergency advice.

• Drive with all possible caution. Don't try to save time by traveling faster than road and weather conditions permit.
  

• Don't be daring or foolhardy. When storm conditions worsen rapidly, seek refuge immediately.

CAR TROUBLE:
KEEP CALM IF YOU GET IN TROUBLE:

If your car breaks down during a storm, or if you become stalled or lost, don't panic. Think the problem through, decide what is the safest and best thing to do, and then do it slowly and carefully. If a storm traps you on the road, pull off the highway, stay calm and remain in your car, where rescuers are most likely to find you. Set your directional lights to flashing, raise the hood of your car, or hang a cloth from the radio aerial or a car window. Then stay in your car and wait for help to arrive. Don't try to walk through a blizzard to safety. Getting lost can mean almost certain death.

• Don't waste gas by running the heater continuously. Beware of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Open a window for ventilation and periodically clear away snow from the exhaust pipe.
  

• Stay alert. Exercise to maintain body heat. Move arms and legs vigorously and move around within the car. Never let everyone in the car sleep at one time. At night turn the dome light on so work crews may spot you.

EXTREME HEAT

HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES: These can become medical emergencies--call 911, especially in the case of heat stroke.

• Heat Cramps
  Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms resulting from heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe heat-related illness, they are an early signal that body is having trouble coping with heat and should be treated immediately with rest and fluids. Stretching or direct pressure can also reduce cramps.Unless very severe, heat cramps do not require emergency medical attention.
  
• Heat Exhaustion
  Heat exhaustion occurs when body fluids are lost through heavy sweating due to vigorous exercise or working in a hot, humid place. Symptoms include: sweating; pale, clammy skin; fatigue; headache; dizziness; shallow breaths; and a weak or rapid pulse. Victims of heat exhaustion are tired but not confused. The condition should be treated with restin a cool area, drinking water or electrolyte solutions, elevating the feet 12 inches, and further medical treatment in severe cases. If not treated, the victim's condition may escalate to heat stroke. If the victim does not respond to basic treatment, seek medical attention.
  
• Heat Stroke
  Also called "sunstroke." The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweat to cool the body, stops working. The skin is flushed, hot and dry, andthe body temperature may be elevated. The victim may also be confused, develop seizures, breathe shallowly and have a weak or rapid pulse. This is the most serious heat-related illness and people exhibiting these symptoms should week emergency medical attention.

LIGHTNING Lightning is an underrated hazard that occurs during thunderstorms, tornados, and other weather events. When thunderstorms threaten your area get inside a home, large buildinig or car (not convertible).

SAFETY TIPS:

1. Inside a home, avoid bathtubs, water faucets and sinks because metal pipes can conduct electricity. Avoid using the telephone, except for emergencies.
2. If outside, with no time to reach a safe building or automobile, follow these rules:

• In a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.

• In open areas, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash floods.

• Do not stand underneath a natural lightning rod, such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.

• Do not stand on a hilltop, in an open field, on the beach or in a boat on the water.

• Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.

• Get away from open water

• Get away from anything metal tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf clubs, and bicycles

• Stay away from wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes, rails and other metallic paths which could carry lightning to you from some distance away.

3. If you are isolated in a level field, or your feel your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike), drop to your knewws and bend forward putting your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground.
4. Learn CPR. It could very well save someone's life who may or may not have been struck by lightning.

Floods

• Be prepared to evacuate when told to do so.

• Know the evacuation routes

• Discuss with your family what flooding is and how it may effect you.

• Choose an out of state contact for everyone to call to say they're OK.

• Get to know your neighbors' strengths and limitations

• Identify those in your neighborhood or family who may require special assistance.

• Assemble a 72 hour emergency supplies kit complete with food, clothing and first aid as needed.

• Teach your family how to shut off water, gas and electricity to your home.

• If you live in flood prone areas or on top of the flood plain consider purchasing flood insurance through your state or local emergency management office. Or making flood- proofing changes to your home or office.

  • National Flood Insurance is managed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

• Make a record of all your personal property. Take photographs of or videotape your belongings and store these records in a safe location.

• Keep insurance policies, deeds, property records and other important papers in a safe place away from your home.

DURING HEAVY RAINS:

1. Be aware of flash floods. If there is any possibility of flash flood occurring, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
2. Listen to radio or television stations for local information.
3. Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood suddenly.
4. If local authorities issue a flood watch, prepare to evacuate:

• Secure your home. 

• If you have time, bring outdoor garden equipment and lawn furniture inside or tie it down. 

• Move essential items to the upper floors of

• your house.

• If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches

• at the main switches or valves. 

• Do not disconnect electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

• Fill your car with fuel.
  Fill the bathtub with water in case water becomes

• contaminated or services cut off. Sterilize the bathtub first.

5. Stay away from flood waters. They could be contaminated.
6. Don't walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving u. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
7. Don't drive into flooded areas. If flood waters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, I you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away as flood waters rise.
8. When deep flooding is likely, permit the flood waters to flow freely into the basement of your home (or flood the basement your self with clean water, if your are sure it will be flooded anyway). This will avoid structural damage to the foundation and the house be equalizing the water pressure on the outside of the basement walls and floors. Contact authorities for guidance.

AFTER A FLOOD

1. Stay away from flood waters. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. The water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

2. Stay away from moving water. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet.

3. Be aware of areas where e flood waters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.

4. Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company.

5. Stay away from disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers. One way to help is to give money to a disaster relief organization. Do not donate food, clothing or other personal items unless they are specifically requested.

6. Continue listening to a battery powered radio for information about where to get assistance for housing, clothing and food. Out reach programs are often available to help you cope with the stress s of the situation.

7. Consider your family's health and safety needs. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with flood waters. Throw away food that has come in contact with flood water. List for news reports learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.

8. Contact your insurance agent. If your policy covers your situation, and adjusters will be assigned to visit your home. To prepare:

• Take photos of or videotape your belongings and your home.
• Separate damaged and undamaged belongings
• Locate your financial records.
• Keep detailed records of cleanup costs.

Hurricanes

Before a hurricane:

• Obtain list of evacuation routes and public shelters
• Identify alternative shelters such as family members or friends
• Identify out-of-state contact with name, address and phone number
• Plan for needs of elderly or handicapped
• List and take photographs of your property
• Review the status of your flood, home and automobile insurance
• Prepare an emergency supply kit to last for at least 3 days
• Store in easy-to-carry containers: backpacks, duffle bags, trash cans
• Water - 1 gallon per person per day
• Canned or packaged foods
• Manual Can Opener
• Portable cooking facilities
• Fire Extinguisher
• Cooler
• Portable radio, flashlight, lantern and extra batteries
• Water Purification tablets and bleach
• 3/4 inch plywood boards to cover windows
• Tape and plastic garbage bags
• Sanitation supplies
• One change of clothing and footwear per person
• One blanket, sleeping bag, pillow per person
• First aid kit - include prescription medications
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled
• Mosquito Repellant
• Extra pair of glasses or contacts
• Quiet games, toys, books, cards
• Important documents in a waterproof container
• Identification, extra set of car keys, credit card, cash or traveler's checks

During a hurricane:

Safe Room - Have a safe, interior room with no windows ready with all your supplies (food, lights, radio, camera, purse, insurance policy copy, medications, glasses, blanket, pillows, mattress). Stay There! Remain indoors during the hurricane. Blowing debris can injure or kill. Travel is extremely dangerous.

Animals should be placed in their carriers.

Windows and Doors - Stay away from all windows and doors. DO NOT open a window on the opposite side of the winds as we have been advised in the past.

Candles - DO NOT use; they can blow over.

Telephone should not be used when there is lightning present.

Power - Turn off all appliances at the fuse box (circuit breaker) or remove fuses when the power begins to be intermittent or when flooding begins. Leave one breaker on that operates a light.

Eye of the Hurricane - Do not be fooled by the storm's calm eye which takes from several minutes to an hour to pass. Stay in your "safe place" unless emergency repairs are absolutely necessary. Winds will blow suddenly in the opposite direction after the eye passes. The strongest winds are northeast of the eye.

Tornadoes often precede a hurricane. If you are caught outside, move at right angles from the tornado.

Lightning - If you are outside and your hair stands on end or your skin tingles, lightning may be about to strike you. Drop to the ground and bend forward with hands on knees.

Radio - Listen to local radio stations. Remain indoors until local government officials announce it is safe.

(Adapted from Ready New York, Virginia Beach Emergency Preparedness and Salt Lake City Emergency Preparedness)