Severe Weather Tips
- Build an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights, and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your vehicle in case you are told to evacuate. This kit should also include a pair of goggles and disposable breathing masks for each member of the family.
- Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes so it is important to know how you will contact oneanother, how you will get back together, and what you will do in case of an emergency.
- Continually monitor the media. Be aware of storms which could impact your area and know how you will be warned in an emergency. NOAA Weather radios with a tone alert are a good option. During severe weather, these outlets may be able to alert you before your local government as these are often the same sources they use for notification. If you rely on outdoorwarning sirens activated by your City or local government, remember that these are intended to warn people that are outside of a building and may not be able to be heard inside over wind and rain.
- Know where to shelter (i.e.: basement, interior room/hall, bathroom, closet, etc.) if conditions warrant and where shelters in your area are located. The Joshua Fire Department, as well as other City buildings, is NOT designed to withstand a tornado impact; therefore, it is NOT a designated shelter.
- Know how to shut off utilities, including power, water, and gas, to yourhome. Have proper tools (i.e. Wrench) ready and nearby.
- Find out what type of events and kinds of damage are covered by your insurance policy.
Keep insurance policies, important documents, and other valuable in a safe and secure location. - Keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure everyone knows how to use them.
- Understand the terms. Some terms that often confuse people are “watch” and “warning”. A “watch” is issued when conditions are right for the development of a severe storm or tornado. A “warning” is issued when an actual severe storm or tornado is detected and threatening your area. “Tornado Watch” – tornadoes are possible; remain alerted for approaching storms; watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information. “Tornado Warning” – a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar; take shelter immediately.