Severe Weather Safety Tips

 Photo by Johannes Plenio / Unsplash

According to the American Red Cross, lightning, which is present in every thunderstorm, kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Their motto: If thunder roars, go indoors! Lucky for you, the cabin shelves are already prepped for unplugged fun (checkers, anyone?) that you can enjoy while you’re tucked safely inside. 

Just be sure to keep these other severe-weather tips from the American Red Cross in mind when the sky starts to look that surreal tinge of green.

• During any storm, listen to local news or an NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about watches and warnings.

• Know your community’s warning system.

• Avoid electrical equipment and telephones. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead.

• Do not shower or use plumbing.

• Watch for tornado signs: Dark, often greenish clouds; a wall cloud or funnel cloud; a cloud of debris; large hail; roaring noise.

• Pick a safe room in your cabin where household members and pets may gather during a tornado. This should be a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.

• Prepare for high winds by removing diseased and damaged limbs from trees.

• Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.

• Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. Keep away from windows.

• Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes or other severe winds. If you have access to a sturdy shelter or a vehicle, abandon your mobile home immediately.

• When a flood or flash flood warning is issued, head for higher ground and stay there.

• Stay away from floodwaters. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet. Most cars can be swept away by less than 2 feet of moving water.

• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

• Get trained in first aid and learn how to respond to emergencies.