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Severe Weather can come in many different forms such as Blizzards, Hail, Heavy Rain, Ice Storms, Lightening, Thunderstorms and more... a little forethought can make a big difference in pulling through these natural hazards safely.

Preparedness Tips

  • When a severe storm is forecast, secure everything that might be blown around or torn loose – indoors and outdoors. Flying objects such as garbage cans and lawn furniture can injure people and damage property.
  • Trim dead branches and cut down dead trees to reduce the danger of these falling onto your house.
  • Stay away from windows, doors and chimney during the storm event.
  • If appropriate for your location, select a sheltered area that you and your family chose for your emergency plan.
  • Follow Emergency Communcations and evacuate when requested.  Make sure you take your emergency kit with you.
  • Use a cellular phone during severe weather and never use a land line during Lightening Storms.
  • If you are caught in your vehicle during severe weather, pull over away from power lines and wait it out.

 Blizzards

  • Blizzard conditions can create situations of zero visibility.  In extreme cases, string a rope between outbuildings if you need to venture outside.  Basically stay indoors. If you must go outside, dress for the weather and always let someone know where you are going and the route you will take.
  • If stuck in a vehicle during a snow storm, stay in the vehicle. Open the window on the none wind side to allow some fresh air and keep moving your fingers and toes to keep them from getting cold and possibly falling asleep.  In the worst case it is ok to run the engine about 10 minutes every half-hour for heat only if the exhaust is clear and the interior ventilated.

Hail

  • Take cover when hail begins to fall. Forget about your car, plants and patio furniture. Hail, when coupled with wind, comes down with great velocity and can cause severe welts or worse. Stay away from windows and skylights.
  • If caught outside, seek shelter under a bridge or something solid.

Heavy Rain

  • If heavy rain is forecast, check drainage around your home to ensure proper runoff.
  • Go through your basement/cellar and move anything that could be damaged should you have a flood.

Ice storms

  • Freezing rain will accumulate on everything outside. Safest place is to stay indoors, however if you need to venture outside watch building overhangs and powerlines for falling ice and week structures.
  • Stay away from down powerlines and call your local utility.
  • Freezing rain will make driving very hazerdous. Stay home if possible and if you do need to venture out in your vehicle take every precaution and drive defensively.

Thunder and Lightning Storms

  • Take shelter during lightning storms and stay away from windows, power lines, telephones, etc...
  • Before lightning storms, immediately shutdown and unplug sensitive electronic equipement such as computers and televisions.
  • If you are caught outside, take shelter or stay crouched away from tall objects like trees and powerlines. 

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