Specific Emergency Actions

When a winter storm watch is in effect, listen to the radio or television for information or instructions.

• When a winter storm hits, stay indoors if possible;

• If you must go outside, dress for the weather;

• If you must travel during a snowstorm, do so during the day and let someone know your route and arrival time;

• Make sure you have your emergency car kit.

If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Seek shelter immediately and stay there for 30 minutes after the last rumble.

If you are outside:

• If caught in the open, do not lie flat but crouch in the leap frog position and lower your head; you do not want to be the tallest object in the area;

• Take shelter in a building or depressed area such as a dry ditch or a culvert but never under a tree;

• Do not ride bicycles, motorcycles or golf carts, or use metal shovels or golf clubs as they conduct electricity;

• If swimming or in a boat, get back to shore immediately;

• If you are in a car, stay there but pull away from trees which could fall on you.

If you are inside:

• Stay indoors but away from windows, doors, fireplaces, radiators, stoves, sinks, bathtubs, appliances, metal pipes, telephones (landlines) and other materials which conduct electricity;

• Unplug radios, televisions and computers and use battery or crank powered radio instead;

• Do not go out to rescue the laundry as the clothesline conducts electricity.

• Remember that meat, dairy and frozen foods can be hazardous if not stored properly;
• Use up perishables and foods from the refrigerator first, then use foods from the freezer, then non-perishables;
• A full freezer keeps food frozen for about two days; covering with blankets will provide extra insulation;
• The refrigerator will keep food cool for four to six hours, depending on the kitchen temperature;
• For emergency cooking, use a barbeque, charcoal grill or camp stove, outside only; heat food indoors using candle warmers, chafing dishes and fondue pots.

Remember, during a POWER OUTAGE:

• Cordless phones will not work;

• VOIP (voice over IP) phones will not work;

• You should make sure you have a cell phone;

• Charger that works in your car;

• Inner connected wire smoke alarms will not work in your house unless you have a battery back-up system;

• Sump pumps should have a battery back-up or you should have a gas-powered generator available;

• If you are in an apartment:

  • emergency lighting will work for only a limited time;

  • elevators will not work;

  • fire alarm system batteries may not last more than 10 hours.

• Move pets, as well as furniture, electrical appliances, equipment and other belongings to higher levels if possible;

• Make sure basement windows are closed;

• Remove or seal hazardous products like weed killers or insecticides;

• Remove toilet bowl water and plug basement sewer drains and toilet connection.

Tornadoes are rotating columns of wind. Warning signs of a tornado include severe thunderstorms, hail, dark sky and greenish clouds.

At home:

• Go to the basement or take shelter in a small interior ground floor room such as a bathroom, closet or hallway or protect yourself by taking shelter under a heavy table or desk;

• Stay away from windows and outside walls and doors.

In an apartment or office:

• Take shelter in an inner hallway or room, ideally in the basement or the ground floor;

• Do not use the elevator and stay away from windows;

• Avoid buildings such as gymnasiums, churches and auditoriums with free-span roofs.

In a car:

• Take shelter elsewhere, such as a building with a strong foundation;

• If no shelter is available, lie down in a dry ditch, away from cars or mobile homes;

• If the tornado is close by, get out of your car and take cover in a low-lying area. Get as close to the ground as possible, protect your head and watch out for flying debris.

• If you are indoors, stay there, take cover under a heavy table, desk or any solid furniture and hold on. In a hallway, crouch down against an inside wall;
• Avoid doorways. Doors may slam shut and cause injuries;
• Protect your head and face. Move away from windows, glass partitions, mirrors, fireplaces, bookcases; all furniture and light fixtures;
• If in a wheelchair, lock the wheels and protect the back of your neck and head;
• Do not use elevators. If you are in an elevator during an earthquake, hit the button for every floor and get out as soon as you can;
• Take cover immediately wherever you are when an earthquake starts and stay there until the shaking stops;
• Expect aftershocks – they may occur for some time after the initial quake.