Storm Safety

Keep emergency supplies on hand, including:

• Batteries and flashlights
• Portable radio
• Battery-powered clock
• Nonperishable food items and bottled water
• Cell phone or single-line telephone  (cordless phones don’t work without electricity)

Other Important Tips:

• Turn off appliances and electronics to protect them against power surges.
• Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food as long as possible.
• Never cook indoors with charcoal.
• Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire hazards.
• Stay away from downed or sagging power lines.
• Consider staying at a hotel or with a relative during an extended outage.

• If you own a portable generator for emergency situations, it should be operated outside for proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust.  Never refuel your generator when it is running.

• Lightning
  Lightning kills an average of 67 people each year in the United States.  If you're caught outside when there is lightning, it’s important to act fast.
• Tornados 
  With winds swirling at 200 miles per hour, a tornado can destroy anything in its path.  Are you ready?
• Flooding 
  Flooding is a deadly threat – 95% of those killed in flash floods tried to outrun the rising water.
• Winter Storms
  Preparation and patience will help you weather winter storms. 
• Track the Storm's Path
  Refer to the experts at the National Weather Service.