Emergency Response Procedures for Severe Weather

Severe weather includes high winds, thunder and lightening storms, extreme heat, snow and extreme cold. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, mudslides, floods, tsunamis, drought and fires are often associated with severe weather. The U.S. National Weather Service partners with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), emergency service organizations and the American Red Cross to provide services and shelter during and after severe weather emergencies. They suggest the following:

Responding to Severe Weather

• High Winds. Stay indoors and seek shelter away from windows in an enclosed space that is concrete or underground. Use a closet, hallway or crawl under a sturdy piece of furniture if you have no safe room. Your shelter must be strong enough to stay grounded, remain whole and protect you from both winds and flying debris. Clear downspouts, close shutters and doors, fasten down boats and outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage. Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting and keep door closed.

  Thunder and Lightening. Stay indoors or in your car with the windows rolled up. Avoid metal objects, waterways, showering, bathing or using phones with cords since all conduct electricity. Stay away from open areas and tall trees. FEMA guidelines for avoiding lightening if you are caught outside in the open state: "Squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground. DO NOT lie flat on the ground."

  Snow and extreme cold. Stock up on rock salt to melt ice on walkways, sand to improve traction, snow shovels and other snow removal equipment, and heating fuel. Winterize your car and dress for the weather. Know and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Drink fluids to avoid dehydration. If using space heaters, keep them in ventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Drive only if necessary and stay in your vehicle if stranded. Carry blankets, a flashlight, an emergency kit with flairs and food in you car.

  If you are stranded in your car in a blizzard, FEMA suggests that you, "run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm, opening a window slightly for ventilation and periodically clearing snow from the exhaust pipe. Use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with other passengers and use your coat for a blanket. Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews. Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you. If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane."

  Extreme Heat. Stay indoors and use air conditioning, if available. Limit exposure to the sun. Know symptoms and treatments of sunburn, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and sunstroke. Avoid salt. Drink plenty of water. Eat light meals. Limit alcohol intake. Dress in loose-fitting clothes. Circulate air and mist yourself to keep your body and home cool. Wear a hat for sun protection. Do not leave children or pets unattended in cars. Use window reflectors, and keep shades and drapes closed.

Preparing for Severe Weather

• Know what types of severe weather are common to your area, and make an emergency response plan for each. Know the severe weather response procedures and shelters for your workplace, school, neighborhood and church. Make a plan for Severe Weather response with your family, including where you will meet outside your home and what each person will do to remain safe. Be aware of the weather and listen to weather news on TV or radio.

  Have a first aid kit and take a first aid course so you are prepared to deal with injuries. A basic first aid kit should include bandages, gauze rolls and absorbent dressings, tape, antiseptic and alcohol wipes, moist towelettes, soap, antibiotic ointment, scissors, needle, tweezers, safety pins, a pain reliever that no one in your family is allergic to, Benadryl to treat allergic reactions, sunscreen, an antacid, anti-diarrhea medication, gloves, a thermometer, and cotton swabs or applicators. Basic first aid training is available through the Red Cross, Girl and Boy Scouts, and your local YMCA or Parks and Recreation.

  Build a disaster kit. Pack what you will need if stores are closed and electricity, gas and water are cut off. Include sunglasses and layerable clothes suitable for your climate at its hottest and coldest, with at least one change of clothes and footwear for each family member. Use portable containers that you can easily take with you if you must leave your home.

  Pack enough canned and dried food and milk and bottled water for at least three days. Take along plates, cups and plastic utensils, toilet paper and personal hygiene items, garbage bags and bleach. Include medications, hearing aids and glasses, games and books, important documents (or copies of them) in a waterproof container, cash, and bedding or sleeping bags.

  Other supplies FEMA recommends including are, "a flashlight and portable, battery-operated radio or television with extra batteries, nonelectric can opener, utility knife, ABC type fire extinguisher, tent, pliers, tape, compass, matches in a waterproof container, plastic storage containers, signal flare, paper, pencil, needles, thread, medicine dropper, shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water, whistle, plastic sheeting, and maps of the area."

  The Red Cross also suggests, "Post emergency telephone numbers and teach children to dial 911 to call police, fire and emergency medical services. Know how to turn off water, gas and electricity with main switches. And look into purchasing renters' insurance before severe weather strikes. Often, the price of this normally affordable protection rises significantly after a family has experienced a natural disaster."