Get Prepared

There's no need to fear!

Having a healthy respect for lightning, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and blizzards is a good thing, because they can be dangerous. But there is no need to be afraid if you're ready for them. If you know what to do when severe weather comes, you will not only feel safer, but you will be safer.

"You need a Plan, you need to know what you will say and do"

Here are a few steps in planning for severe weather:

1. Talk with your family about what kind of weather can be dangerous in your area.
2. Learn your community's warning signals and know how to get severe weather warnings, whether from a NOAA weather radio, television, or tornado siren.
3. Decide on the safest place in your home to go when storms come.
4. Post telephone numbers to call in case of an emergency. Choose an out-of-state friend to call if your family gets separated.
5. Make sure someone in your house knows CPR and when and how to turn off the water, gas and electricity to your home.
6. Talk about what you would do if you needed to leave your home. And don't forget about your pets; some hotels and motels do not allow animals.
7. Put together a home emergency kit.
8. Take pictures or videos of your home contents for insurance; keep them in a safe place.
9. Test yourself and your family to make sure everyone remembers meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules. Have disaster drills; they can be fun!
10. Test your smoke detectors and change the batteries at least once a year. Test and recharge your fire extinguishers.

"And decide on a place that's a safe place"

Talk with your family about where to go in your home if there's life-threatening storm such as a tornado in your area. A room or closet in the basement or on the lowest floor of your home away from windows and outside walls is usually the best.

Key words to the song:
"Don't get scared, just get prepared, so you'll be strong and steady; Then you'll be sure that you'll endure if you'll just be ready."

Talk with Your Friends and Your Family:
1. What kind of weather can be dangerous where you live?
2. Where do you get your severe weather warnings?
3. Where is the safest place in your home to go when severe storms come?
4. What information needs to go into your family emergency plan?
5. Parents, go here for some important things to think about.

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