During the Storm

When in a Warning Area...

• Listen closely to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins.

• Complete preparation activities, such as putting up storm shutters, storing loose objects, etc.

• Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if told to do so!

• If evacuating, leave early (if possible, in daylight). Stay with friends or relatives, stay at a low-rise inland hotel/motel, or go to a predesignated public shelter outside a flood zone.

• Leave mobile homes.

• Notify neighbors and a family member outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans.

• Take pets with you. Leaving pets behind is likely to result in their being injured, lost or killed.

• Move to a safe area before you are cut off by flood water.

If staying in a home...

Only stay in a home if you have NOT been ordered to leave. Stay inside a well constructed building. Examine the building and decide what you will do if winds become strong enough to produce deadly missiles and structural failure.

• Turn refrigerator to its coldest setting and keep closed.

• Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.

• Turn off propane tanks.

• Unplug small appliances.

• Fill bathtub and large containers with water for sanitary purposes.

In strong winds...

• Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway.

• Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.

• In a two-story house, go to an interior first-floor room, such as a bathroom or closet.

• In a multiple-story building, go to the first or second floors and stay in interior rooms away from windows.

• Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

After the Storm

• Listen to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio.

• Keep abreast of road conditions through the media. Wait until an area is declared safe before entering.

• Do not attempt to drive across flowing water. As little as 6” of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle–2 feet of water will carry most cars away.

• If you see water flowing across a roadway, TURN AROUND AND GO ANOTHER WAY. Many people have been killed
  or injured driving through flooded roadways or around barricades. Roads are closed for your protection.

• Stay away from moving water. Moving water even 6” deep can sweep you away.

• Do not allow children, especially under age 13, to play in flooded areas. They often drown or are injured in areas appearing safe.

• If someone needs to be rescued, call professionals with the right equipment to help. Many people have been killed or injured trying to rescue others in flooded areas.

• Stay away from standing water. It may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

• Have professionals check gas, water and electrical lines and appliances for damage.

• Use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles and other open flames indoors.

• Use tap water for drinking and cooking only when local officials say it is safe to do so.

• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

Source: National Weather Service