Tornado Safety

If a tornado was approaching, would you know what to do? Tornadoes are the most violent atmospheric phenomenon on the planet. Winds of 200-300 mph can occur with the most violent tornadoes.

IN HOMES OR SMALL BUILDINGS

Go to the basement or to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom. Wrap yourself in overcoats or blankets to protect yourself from flying debris.

SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, FACTORIES, SHOPPING MALLS

Go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums and warehouses. See the left figure for an example of where to go in a school. Crouch down and cover your head as shown in the right figure.

IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS

Go to interior small rooms or halls. Stay away from exterior walls or glassy areas.

IF NO SUITABLE STRUCTURE IS NEARBY:

Lie flat in the nearest ditch/depression & use hands to cover your head.

Flash Flood Safety

Do you know what to do if you see water crossing over a roadway? Flash floods and floods are the #1 weather - related killer with around 140 deaths recorded in the U.S. each year.

Flash flood safety rules:

WHEN INSIDE

If ordered to evacuate or if rising water is threatening, leave immediately and get to higher ground!

IF CAUGHT OUTDOORS

Go to higher ground immediately! Avoid small rivers & streams, low spots, canyons, dry riverbeds. Do not try to walk through flowing water more than ankle deep! Do not allow children to play around streams, drainage ditches or viaducts, storm drains, or other flooded areas!

DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED AREAS!

Even if it looks shallow enough to cross. The large majority of deaths due to flash flooding are due to people driving through flooded areas. Water only one foot deep can displace 1500 lbs! 2' of water can EASILY carry most automobiles! Roadways concealed by floodwaters may not be intact, as the picture below shows the aftermath of a flood. Do you know what to do if you are caught in the open during a thunderstorm or you feel tingling or your hair standing on end? Lightning causes around 100 deaths in the U.S. annually (more than hurricanes & tornadoes combined).

General lightning safety rules

WHEN INSIDE

Avoid using the telephone (except in emergencies) or other electrical appliances. Do not take a bath or shower.

IF CAUGHT OUTDOORS

Go to a safe shelter immediately! such as inside a sturdy building. A hard top automobile with the windows up can also offer fair protection. If you are boating or swimming, get out of the water immediately & move to a safe shelter away from the water! If you are in a wooded area, seek shelter under a thick growth of relatively small trees. If you feel your hair standing on end, squat with your head between your knees. Do not lie flat! Avoid: isolated trees or other tall objects, bodies of water, sheds, fences, convertible automobiles, tractors, & motorcycles.

Winter Storm/Blizzard Preparedness and Safety

Winter storms occasionally strike the area, especially in northwest Oklahoma. Do you know what to do if you are trapped in the middle of a blizzard? If a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for your area, that means that hazardous winter weather conditions (snow greater than 6" in 24 hours, winds gusting over 35 mph, or visibilities less 1/4 mile) are expected in the next 12-36 hours. You should prepare for the worst now:

AT HOME OR WORK MAKE SURE YOU HAVE

a working flashlight battery powered NWS weather radio , radio, or TV extra food, water, medicine, and baby items, first aid supplies heating fuel (propane, kerosene, fuel oil, etc...) emergency heating source, fire extinguisher and smoke detector

IN CARS AND TRUCKS

fully check and winterize your vehicle keep your gas tank near full try not to travel alone let a friend or relative know your timetable for travel carry a WINTER STORM SURVIVAL KIT which contains:  blankets/sleeping bags flashlight with extra batteries knife high calorie, non-perishable food a smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water sand or cat litter shovel windshield scraper tool kit tow rope jumper cables water container compass road maps

ON THE FARM

Move animals to sheltered areas. Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas. Have a water supply available (most animal deaths in winter storms are from dehydration) If a Winter Storm Warning has been issued for your area, that means that hazardous winter weather conditions (such as snow greater than 6 inches in 24 hours, winds gusting over 35 mph, or visibilities less 1/4 mile) are expected within the next 12 hours or are already occurring.

IF CAUGHT OUTSIDE

Find a dry shelter. Cover all exposed parts of the body. If shelter is not available: Prepare a lean-to, wind break, or snow-cave for protection from the wind. Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat. Do not eat snow. It will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.

IF STRANDED IN A CAR OR TRUCK

Stay in your car or truck! Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour. Open the windows a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked. Make yourself visible to rescuers: Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine. Tie a colored cloth to your antenna or door. Raise the hood after the snow stops falling. Exercise to keep blood circulating to keep warm

AT HOME OR IN A BUILDING

Stay inside! - If there is no heat: Close off unneeded rooms. Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors. Cover windows at night. Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy and heat. Fluids prevent dehydration. Wear layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing. Hurricane Preparedness and Safety