Preparations Based on Warning or Watch Level

By understanding the differences between watches and warnings and knowing the appropriate preparations for each, you can significantly increase your safety and readiness during severe weather events.

Tornado Preparations

Tornado Watch:

1. Stay Informed: Monitor weather updates via radio, TV, or smartphone apps.
2. Identify Safe Shelter: Know the safest place in your home, such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
3. Prepare Emergency Kit: Assemble essential items like water, food, medications, flashlight, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
4. Plan Communication: Ensure all family members know the emergency plan and have a way to communicate.

Tornado Warning:

1. Seek Immediate Shelter: Move to the identified safe place immediately.
2. Protect Yourself: Use a helmet, mattress, or heavy blankets to protect against debris.
3. Stay Low: Get under something sturdy if possible.
4. Avoid Windows: Stay away from windows and cover yourself to protect yourself from glass.

High Winds Preparations

High Wind Watch:

1. Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in or tie down outdoor furniture, garbage cans, and other loose items.
2. Check Trees: Ensure trees and branches near your home are trimmed to prevent damage.
3. Stay Informed: Keep up with weather updates and alerts.

High Wind Warning:

1. Stay Indoors: Avoid going outside during high wind events.
2. Close and Secure Windows/Doors: Ensure all windows and doors are closed and securely fastened.
3. Avoid Dangerous Areas: Stay away from windows and large, unsecured objects.
4. Power Outage Preparedness: Have flashlights, batteries, and a backup power source if necessary.

Lightning Storms Preparations

Lightning Watch:

1. Monitor Weather: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and alerts.
2. Outdoor Activities: Plan to move indoors if thunderstorms are predicted.
3. Unplug Electronics: Consider unplugging sensitive electronics to protect them from power surges.

Lightning Warning:

1. Seek Shelter: Immediately go indoors or into a hard-topped vehicle.
2. Avoid Conductive Items: Stay away from metal objects, water, and electrical appliances.
3. Stay Inside: Remain indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
4. Stay Low: Avoid high places and open fields.

Hail Preparations

Hail Watch:

1. Monitor Weather Reports: Stay informed about potential hail events.
2. Protect Vehicles: Move cars and other vehicles into a garage or covered area.
3. Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in or secure outdoor furniture and other items that could be damaged.

Hail Warning:

1. Stay Indoors: Avoid going outside during a hailstorm.
2. Protect Windows: Close drapes, blinds, or shades to protect against broken glass.
3. Move to Safe Areas: Stay in a safe part of your home, away from windows.
4. Cover Vehicles: Use blankets or other coverings if you cannot move vehicles indoors.

General Emergency Kit Essentials:

• Water: At least one gallon per person daily for three days.
• Non-perishable Food: At least a three-day supply.
• First-aid Kit: Include necessary medications and supplies.
• Flashlight and Batteries: Extra batteries as well.
• Multi-tool or Tool Kit: Basic tools for emergency repairs.
• Portable Charger: For mobile devices.
• Important Documents: Keep copies of identification, insurance, and medical records.

Communication Plan:

• Family Plan: Make sure all family members know where to go and how to communicate.
• Emergency Contacts: Have a list of emergency contacts readily available.