Severe Weather Safety Tips
Summer is here and along with it comes the very real threat of severe weather. Thnderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, and flooding are all very real threats to each of us in Haw River. While the dangers are real, we can do something to be prepared for them should they become a reality. Below you will find some basic safety tips for each of these conditions that could save your life!
Thunderstorms:
- Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies and listen for thunder.
- If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
- Go to safe shelter immediately. Preferably inside a sturdy structure.
- Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances.
- Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purposes.
- Draw blinds or shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.
- If you are outside, go to a low lying place away from trees, poles, or metal objects.
Tornadoes:
- In a home or building, move to a predesignated meeting place, such as a basement. If you don't have a basement, move to an interior room on the lowest level, such as a closet or bathroom. It should be a room with no windows.
- If you are in a car, do NOT try to outrun the tornado. It can change direction and move rapidly! Instead, go get inside a strong building if possible. If not, lie flat in a ditch or low area and cover your head.
- Do NOT get under highway overpasses. Wind speeds actually increase under them and can suck you out.
- If you live in a mobile home, get out IMMEDIATELY. Take shelter in a strong building with a strong foundation. Mobile homes offer little protection from a tornado, even ones that are anchored.
Floods:
- Avoid walking, swimming, or driving in flood waters.
- Stay away from high water, storm drains, ditches, ravines, or culverts. If it is moving swiftly, even six inches of water can knock you off your feet.
- If you come upon flood waters, stop, turn around, and go another way. Climb to higher ground.
- Do not let children play near storm drains.