Staying safe in extreme weather hinges on preparation, awareness, and knowing the right actions to take before, during, and after a weather event. Proactive measures and quick, informed decisions are crucial for protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Key Principles for Extreme Weather Safety
- Stay Informed: Consistently monitor weather forecasts and alerts from reliable sources.
- Have a Plan: Develop a comprehensive family emergency plan.
- Prepare a Kit: Assemble an emergency supply kit with essential items.
Before Extreme Weather Strikes: Prepare and Protect
Taking preventative steps before severe weather arrives can significantly enhance your safety and resilience.
1. Monitor Weather Alerts
Stay continuously updated with official weather warnings and advisories from trustworthy sources:
- NOAA Weather Radio: A national network broadcasting weather forecasts, warnings, and hazard information 24/7.
- Local news channels and radio stations.
- Reliable smartphone weather apps with alert features.
- National Weather Service (NWS) Website: For detailed forecasts and advisories from the National Weather Service.
2. Develop a Family Emergency Plan
Discuss and regularly practice your plan with all household members, ensuring everyone knows what to do.
- Communication Strategy: Establish how you will contact each other if separated. This might include an out-of-area contact person everyone can check in with.
- Meeting Points: Designate a primary outdoor meeting point (e.g., a neighbor's house) and an alternative out-of-neighborhood location.
- Evacuation Routes: Identify primary and alternative evacuation routes for your home and community. Understand your local evacuation zones, if applicable.
3. Assemble an Emergency Kit
Keep a readily accessible emergency supply kit with enough essentials to last for at least 72 hours. Store it in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container.
| Category | Essential Items |
|---|---|
| Water | One gallon of water per person per day (for drinking and sanitation). |
| Food | At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food items. Include a manual can opener if necessary. |
| First Aid | A well-stocked first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications. |
| Power/Light | Flashlight, extra batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for receiving emergency broadcasts. |
| Sanitation | Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation and waste disposal. |
| Documents | Copies of important family documents (identification, insurance policies, bank records) in a waterproof, portable container. |
| Tools | Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities (gas, water), a multi-tool, and duct tape. |
| Other | Whistle to signal for help, local maps, sleeping bags or warm blankets, and cash in small denominations. Consider pet supplies, infant formula, or special needs items. |
4. Secure Your Home and Property
Reduce potential hazards around your home by:
- Trimming dead or weak tree branches that could fall during high winds.
- Clearing gutters and downspouts to prevent water buildup and potential flooding.
- Securing outdoor items like patio furniture, garbage cans, and trampolines, as they can become dangerous projectiles in strong winds.
- Considering reinforcements for doors and windows in areas prone to hurricanes or high winds.
During Extreme Weather: Act Safely
Your actions when extreme weather hits are critical for ensuring personal safety.
If You Are Indoors:
- Stay Inside: Remain indoors and avoid venturing outside unless absolutely necessary for safety.
- Seek Interior Shelter: Move to the lowest level of your home, an interior room, or a basement, staying away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
- Charge Devices: Ensure cell phones, laptops, and portable power banks are fully charged in anticipation of potential power outages.
- Follow Authorities: Heed all instructions and warnings from emergency services and local officials.
If You Are Outdoors:
Being caught outside during severe weather requires immediate and decisive protective action.
- Seek Immediate Shelter: If possible, quickly get to a basement, a designated public shelter, or a sturdy building. These offer the best protection from severe elements.
- Vehicle as a Last Resort (and for travel to shelter): If you cannot quickly walk to a sturdy shelter, immediately get into a vehicle and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter.
- Buckle Up: Always remember to buckle your seat belt if you are in a vehicle to maximize safety.
- Avoid Overpasses: Stay away from bridges or highway overpasses. They offer no protection from strong winds and can become dangerous wind tunnels or collapse during severe weather.
- Lie Down (for high winds/tornado): If no sturdy shelter or vehicle is available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area, covering your head and neck with your arms. This reduces exposure to flying debris.
After Extreme Weather: Recovery and Caution
The dangers don't necessarily end when the weather subsides. Maintain vigilance during the recovery phase.
- Assess Safely: Wait for official "all clear" signals from authorities before leaving your safe location or venturing outside.
- Check for Damage: Cautiously inspect your home for damage. Be aware of structural weaknesses, broken glass, and the smell of gas (indicating a leak).
- Avoid Hazards: Stay clear of downed power lines, which can be electrified. Avoid standing water, which may hide hazards or be electrified. Do not enter damaged buildings.
- Stay Informed: Continue to monitor news and official announcements for updates on safety, road closures, boil water advisories, and recovery efforts.
- Check on Others: If it is safe to do so, check on neighbors, especially the elderly, young children, or those with special needs, to ensure their well-being.
By understanding potential risks and taking appropriate actions, you can significantly enhance your safety and resilience during extreme weather events. For more comprehensive guidance on preparedness, visit Ready.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emergency preparedness sections.
