Emergency Preparedness: What Should You Do? By Jannie Jones Carter, Extension Assistant Director

Know the warning signs for severe weather

As we enter into spring and the beautiful birth of nature, we also enter a season of increased weather threats. When threatening weather approaches, alerts are provided by local authorities and the media. Meteorologists are trained professionals equipped to analyze natural indicators of weather conditions that may be threatening and advise us to seek safety when necessary. But do we know what those alerts mean? We hear the warnings but might ask, "Now does that mean we are in the midst of bad weather or is bad weather just a possibility?"

In the event of severe weather predictions, always stay tuned to your radio or television and become familiar with what the warning signals means. While it's good to have the ability to judge cloud formations and other natural signs, don't assume you will have time to assess weather conditions on your own in time to act properly. Be prepared to take shelter when advised.

WEATER CUES (Clip and keep in a visible place)

A weather warning issued as a severe thunderstorm watch indicates possibilities of a severe thunderstorm. A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when severe thunderstorms are actually occurring in your area. A tornado watch indicates that conditions are favorable for a tornado formation. A tornado warning means a tornado funnel has actually been sighted or is visible on weather radars in your area. A hurricane watch means a hurricane or tropical storm is approaching, listen for updates. A hurricane warning signals an actual hurricane is headed towards your area that may be accompanied by 74 mph winds or higher with high tides and rough waters.

Terrorist threats on our nation in early 2000 have required United States officials to establish a new color-coded alert system. Adopted in 2002, the Homeland Security Advisory System designates levels for possible terrorist threats as follows:

• Green (low)
• Blue (guarded)
• Yellow (elevated)
• Orange (high)
• Red (severe)

Public announcements and general guidance for threats to civilians are made by the United States Secretary of Homeland Security in consultation with other government officials and emergency response teams on the state and local levels.

Identify a place in your home that can be used for indoor shelter in case of emergency. Also, develop an evaluation plan in case you need to escape outside to safety. Your evacuation plan should always include a gathering spot where everyone comes together for roll call. Hold practice drills at home so that you and your family are ready to act quickly when emergencies strike.

A well-prepared emergency kit should be kept where you established shelter in case of danger or environmental threats. Your kit should contain:

• Nonperishable food items, including canned goods, bottled water, and snacks such as crackers and dried fruits, and canned milk and formula for infants
• A cell phone or access to a working land line
• Plastic utensils, paper towels, and a can and bottle opener
• A battery operated weather radio
• Quilt, blanket, or sleeping bag
• Disposable cloths and hand wipes
• Personal hygiene items, including soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, disposable shavers, toilet paper and deodoran
• Flashlight
• Batteries, scissors, and tape
• A first aid kit
• Medical supplies and prescriptions drugs for seniors and people with special needs including back-ups for individuals with vision and hearing aids
• Disposable garbage bags
• A working time piece (watch or clock)

While manmade or natural disasters may be unpredictable, being prepared will help you and your loved ones to act decisively when such incidences occur.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (August 16, 2006). Chemical agents: Facts about sheltering in place. Retrieved April 3, 2007.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (December 23, 2003). Tornadoes: Being prepared. Emergency Preparedness and Response. Retrieved April 3, 2007, 2007.

Foremost Insurance Company. (2005). What belongs in an emergency kit. Retrieved April 2, 2007.

UWSP Environmental Health & Safety Committee. (August 24, 1998). Nature's warning signs. Radar Alerts. Retrieved April 3, 2007.

---

If you do not have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat and wish to view the
PDF publication on this site, click here to download: