Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Tips

• Check the weather forecast before leaving for an extended period outdoors.
  
• If a storm is approaching, keep a NOAA Weather Radio or AM/FM radio with you.
  
• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent.
  
• Check on those who have trouble taking shelter if severe weather threatens.

• Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.
  
• Move to a sturdy building. Do not take shelter in small sheds or under isolated trees.
  
• If lightning is occurring and shelter is not available, get inside a hard-topped vehicle and keep the windows up.
  
• Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Use phones only in an emergency.
  
• Do not take a bath or shower.
  
• If you are boating and swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately.
  
• Get to higher ground if flash flooding or flooding is possible. Once flooding begins, abandon cars and climb to higher ground. Do not attempt to drive to safety.

• Find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles.
  
• If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
  
• If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Make yourself the smallest target possible, and minimize your contact with the ground.

• Pick a place where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. It should be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
  
• If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

• First aid kit and essential medications.
  
• Canned food and can opener.
  
• At least three gallons of water per person.
  
• Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags.
  
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
  
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
  
• Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)

• Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
  
• Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by county.
  
• Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means: a tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area, a tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to a safe place immediately.

• Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.
  
• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.

• If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects.
  
• If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
  
• If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety (as above)

• Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
  
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions.