Severe Weather
The US Weather Service reports the movement of severe weather that may present a threat to the metropolitan area. In general there are two (2) types of unusual weather conditions which may occur in our area: Severe Thunderstorms & Tornadoes. The greatest danger in these situations will be flying glass and objects; therefore Tenants are encouraged to locate refuge areas offering the least amount of exposure to exterior window glass. The following guidelines should be used in the event of such an occurrence.
Note: Public warning of severe weather will come over the radio, television, or five minute steady blasts of sirens by the Municipal Defense warning system.
Tenant Responsibilities
If informed by the US Weather Service that severe weather is imminent, all occupants, if necessary, should:
- Clear desks, tables and window sills of books, papers or other items and secure them in boxes or drawers.
- Move easily moveable furniture away from windows.
- Store all easily moveable office equipment in interior offices.
SEVERAL WEATHER AND NATURAL DISASTERS:
Tornado:
- When a warning is issued by sirens or other means, seek inside shelter. Consider the following:
- Small interior rooms on the lowest floor and without windows. Hallways on the lowest floor away from doors and windows, and Rooms constructed with reinforced concrete, brick, or block with no windows.
- Stay away from outside walls and windows.
- Use arms to protect head and neck.
- Remain sheltered until the tornado threat is announced to be over.
Earthquake:
- Stay calm and await instructions from the Emergency Coordinator or the designated official.
- Keep away from overhead fixtures, windows, filing cabinets, and electrical power.
- Assist people with disabilities in finding a safe place.
- Evacuate as instructed by the Emergency Coordinator and/or the designated official.
Flood:
If indoors:
- Be ready to evacuate as directed by the Emergency Coordinator and/or the designated official.
- Follow the recommended primary or secondary evacuation routes.
If outdoors:
- Climb to high ground and stay there.
- Avoid walking or driving through flood water.
- If car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to a higher ground
Hurricane:
- The nature of a hurricane provides for more warning than other natural and weather disasters. A hurricane watch issued when a hurricane becomes a threat to a coastal area. A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane winds of 74 mph or higher, or a combination of dangerously high water and rough seas, are expected in the area within 24 hours.
Once a hurricane watch has been issued:
- Stay calm and await instructions from the Emergency Coordinator or the designated official.
- Moor any boats securely, or move to a safe place if time allows.
- Continue to monitor local TV and radio stations for instructions.
- Move early out of low-lying areas or from the coast, at the request of officials.
- If you are on high ground, away from the coast and plan to stay, secure the building, moving all loose items indoors and boarding up windows and openings.
- Collect drinking water in appropriate containers.
Once a hurricane warning has been issued:
- Be ready to evacuate as directed by the Emergency Coordinator and/or the designated official.
- Leave areas that might be affected by storm tide or stream flooding.
During a hurricane:
Remain indoors and consider the following:
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Small interior rooms on the lowest floor and without windows , Hallways on the lowest floor away from doors and windows, and Rooms constructed with reinforced concrete, brick, or block with no windows.
Blizzard:
If indoors:
Stay calm and await instructions from the Emergency Coordinator or the designated official.
- Stay indoors!
- If there is no heat:
- Close off unneeded rooms or areas.
- 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, if available.
If outdoors:
- 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 the vehicle!
- Run the motor about ten minutes each hour. Open the windows a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. 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.
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Exercise to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.