Prepare for Severe Weather

Don’t Let Severe Weather Take You by Surprise

 

KAMM is an Ambassador for a Weather Ready Nation

Find out what you can do before severe weather strikes.  Preparation is key to staying safe and minimizing impacts.

Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you’re at risk for severe weather.  Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings.  Check the Weather-Ready Nation for tips.

Sign Up for Notifications: Know how your community sends warning.  Some communities have outdoor sirens.  Others depend on media and smart phones to alert residents to severe storms.

Create a Communications Plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information.  Pick a safe room in your home such as a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.  Get more ideas for a plan at: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

Practice Your Plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a damaging wind or large hail is approaching.  Make sure all members of your family know to go there when severe thunderstorm warnings are issued.  Don’t forget pets if time allows.

Prepare Your Home: Keep trees and branches trimmed near your house.  If you have time before severe weather hits, secure loose objects, close windows and doors, and move any valuable objects inside or under a sturdy structure.

Help Your Neighbor: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for severe thunderstorms.  Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt during severe weather.

 

Winter Storm Safety Tips

During extremely cold weather or winter storms, staying warm and safe can be a challenge.  A winter storm can last a few hours or several days.  They can bring cold temperatures, power failures, loss of communication services, and icy roads.  Before the storm strikes, make sure you prepare your home, pets, and vehicles.  Know what to do before, during, and after a winter storm:

Before

  • Have emergency supplies in place at home, at work, and in your car.
  • Sign up for emergency weather alerts.

During

  • Have a carbon monoxide alarm in place, especially if using alternative heating devices.  Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows.  Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
  • Keep your cell phone and other electronic devices charged in case you lose power.

After

  • Reduce the risk of a heart attack and avoid overexertion when shoveling and walking in the snow.
  • Stay away from downed power lines and beware of falling branches and ice.
  • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia and begin treatment right away.

 

 

 

FEMA Mobile App Introduces New Mitigate Your Risk Section

Features in the App

  • Receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide.
  • Share real-time notifications with loved ones via text, email and social media.
  • Learn emergency safety tips for over 20 types of disasters, including fires, flooding, hurricanes, snowstorms, tornadoes, volcanoes and more.
  • Locate open emergency shelters and disaster recovery centers in your area where you can talk to a FEMA representative in person.
  • Prepare for disasters with a customizable emergency kit checklist, emergency family plan, and reminders.
  • Connect with FEMA to register for disaster assistance. 
  • Toggle between English and Spanish.
  • Follow the FEMA blog.

Download the FEMA Mobile App.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have questions, contact us at help@kymitigation.org.

Don’t forget to join the KAMM group on LinkedIn and Facebook.

KAMM is a non-profit 501 (c) (3).