Storm Safety

Keep emergency supplies on hand, including:

• Batteries and flashlights
• Portable radio
• Battery-powered clock
• Nonperishable food items and bottled water
• Cell phone or single-line telephone  (cordless phones don’t work without electricity)

Other Important Tips:

• Turn off appliances and electronics to protect them against power surges.
• Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food as long as possible.
• Never cook indoors with charcoal.
• Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire hazards.
• Stay away from downed or sagging power lines.
• Consider staying at a hotel or with a relative during an extended outage.

• Lightning
  Lightning kills an average of 67 people each year in the United States.  If you're caught outside when there is lightning, it’s important to act fast.
• Tornados 
  With winds swirling at 200 miles per hour, a tornado can destroy anything in its path.  Are you ready?
• Flooding 
  Flooding is a deadly threat – 95% of those killed in flash floods tried to outrun the rising water.
• Winter Storms
  Preparation and patience will help you weather winter storms. 
• Track the Storm's Path
  Refer to the experts at the National Weather Service.