Being able to communicate by phone takes on new importance during a power outage, when schedules are adjusted or family members need to get in touch with one another. Following are a few recommendations from Amberley’s Department of Public Safety:
- Add your cell phone to Amberley’s Community Safe alert system so that if your home phone is down you’ll stay up to date.
- Keeping cell phones charged can be challenging when the power is out. Two options are to purchase a charger cord that can be used in your car or a portable cell phone charger that plugs directly into the phone.
Preparing a supply kit ensures that you will have basic items on hand. Pack them in a duffel bag and store in a designated place, perhaps near your storm shelter. You kit should include:
- Food and Water
- One gallon of water per household member per day for at least three days. Store in tightly sealed plastic containers and change every six months.
- Non-perishable food to last each person for at least three days. Include a manual can opener or choose self-opening containers, and replace every six months.
Equipment
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Washcloths and towels
- Paper cups, plates and plastic ware
- Basic toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant
- Change of clothing for each person, including sturdy shoes and work gloves
- Blankets or sleeping bag for each person
Personal items
- Identification
- Copies of birth and marriage certificates, inventory of household goods, bank account numbers, important documents
- Extra car and house keys
- Medications
Tornadoes are severe rotating storms with winds that can exceed 300 miles per hour. About 1,000 touch in the U.S. each year. Though only a small number actually strike occupied buildings, people can be killed or injured, usually from flying objects or collapsed buildings. You can greatly reduce your chance of injury by taking a few precautions and staying alert to weather conditions.
Plan Ahead
- Designate a shelter area in your home. Basements or storm cellars, away from the west or south walls, are the safest. Otherwise, use an interior room or hallway on the ground floor.
- PRACTICE getting to the shelter area and make sure all family members are aware of its location and when they should use it.
- Store old blankets nearby to use as protection against flying debris in the event of a tornado
During a Tornado Watch
- Listen to radio or TV for updates
- Be ready to take shelter.
- Pay attention to tornado danger signs in the weather – dark, greenish sky, large hail and a loud roaring sound
- Avoid large, flat buildings with wide open areas, like shopping centers.
When a Tornado Warning Is Issued
- Head for your shelter area or if not at home, to a central, windowless area on the lowest floor of a nearby building
- Leave vehicles and mobile homes at once
- If caught outside, lie flat in a ditch and cover your head
- Do not get under bridges or overpasses
After a Tornado
- Watch out for falling debris and downed electrical lines
- Make sure a building is structurally safe before entering
Know the Difference
Tornado Watch: Conditions are such that a tornado is possible.
Tornado Warning: A tornado has been spotted or is strongly indicated on radar, and it’s time to go to safe shelter.
Hamiltoncountyohioema.org – Emergency preparedness information:
Regional Terrorism Early Warning Group: http://gcfc.org