Hazards Awareness

This section deals with public awareness of emergent weather-related or disaster situations.

SEVERE STORM SAFETY

Severe weather-related situations can come in the form of Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Lightning, Flash Flooding, and other related hazards. Knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count. Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected are making an emergency supply kit and developing an emergency plan.

EXTREME HEAT SAFETY

You should be aware of taking extra precautions during times of extreme outdoor heat weather conditions which can result in heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stoke, and can even be fatal as result of hyperthermia.

Be careful about leaving children, elderly, disabled, or even pets in parked vehicles.

Safety tips for Adults
  • Slow Down: Reduce or eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day.
  • Dress for summer: Wear light weight-Light colored clothing to reflect sun heat and sunlight.
  • Put less in your inner fires: Foods like meat and other proteins that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
  • Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids: Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.
  • Spend more time in air-conditioned places: Air Conditioned homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you can not afford a air conditioner locate a shelter in your community. 
  • Don’t get too much sun: Sunburn reduces your ability to dissipate heat.
  • Do not take salt tablets: Unless directed by Physician

For additional information: Heat: A Major Killer presentation

 

WINTER STORM SAFETY

Recognize the dangers of winter weather and the life-saving action YOU can take. With this information, YOU can recognize winter weather threats, develop an action plan and be ready when severe winter weather threatens.

Learn more about Winter Weather Safety.

 

EARTHQUAKE SAFETY

What should you do during an earthquake?

DROP - COVER - HOLD ON

Stay calm and expect an earthquake to last for a few seconds up to a few minutes.

Drop
Drop down onto your hands and knees (before the earthquake knocks you down). This position protects you from falling but allows you to still move if necessary.

Cover
Cover your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) under a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, only then should you get down near an interior wall(or next to low-lying furniture that will not fall on you), and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.

Hold On
Hold on to your shelter (or to your head and neck) until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter -if the shaking shifts it around.

When driving, stop safely as soon as possible. Stay in the vehicle until shaking stops. Do not stop vehicles under overpasses or on bridges. What should you do after an earthquake?

  • Check for injuries and render first aid.
  • Avoid other hazards (fire, chemical spills, etc.).
  • Check utilities (gas, water, electricity). If safe, shut utilities off at the source.
  • Turn on a battery-powered radio and listen for public information broadcasts from emergency officials. STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES.
  • Check food and water supplies.
  • Do not use matches, candles or lighters inside.
  • Do not use vehicles unless there is a life-threatening emergency.

For more information: Earthquake Awareness & Preparedness Guide

 

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