8 tips to prepare for emergency weather in Ohio
Ohio is marking Severe Weather Awareness Week through March 23.
“As evidenced by last week’s horrific tornadoes, it is so important that all Ohioans know what to do before, during, and after extreme weather events,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said. “While it’s important to be prepared all year long, Severe Weather Awareness Week is an ideal time to review and practice emergency plans to be prepared and stay safe.”
Ohio will hold a statewide tornado drill at 9:50 a.m. March 20.
Counties are encouraged to sound and test their outdoor warning sirens and mass notification systems.
“The statewide drill offers time to establish a safe shelter location before severe weather strikes,” said Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick. “We know sheltering can save lives and encourage all Ohioans to make or review an existing emergency plan and be prepared.”
Here are eight safety and preparedness tips to help you stay safe during inclement weather.
What to do during a tornado watch
Be prepared: When conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. Be ready to move to a place of safety if the watch is upgraded to a warning or if threatening weather approaches.
What to do during a tornado warning
Take action: When a tornado is imminent or has been sighted. Warnings indicate impending danger to life and property. Seek safe shelter immediately.
Prepare for severe weather and home emergencies
Build a kit and make a plan. This includes having a severe weather kit for home and vehicle and creating an emergency plan/or updating your existing plan.
Be aware of hazards in your area
Ohio’s weather hazards from early spring into summer include snowmelt and flooding, tornadoes, and thunderstorms. Visit the OCSWA website to learn more about severe weather safety and preparedness.
How to prepare for a flood
Prepare for a Flood: Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.
How to deal with flooded roadways
Never attempt to cross a flooded road on foot or in a vehicle. It only takes six inches of water to knock an adult off their feet, one foot of moving water can float a vehicle, and two feet of water can carry away most vehicles including pickup trucks and SUVs. Don’t chance it, find an alternative route!
Listen for outdoor warning sirens
Many Ohio counties have outdoor warning sirens that sound when severe weather is imminent. Outdoor warning sirens are designed to be heard outdoors.
How to get emergency alerts and notifications in Ohio
Getting weather and emergency information from reliable sources is important. Always have multiple means of receiving communications such as a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio and local television media weather apps. Other great sources for communications are Emergency Alert System (EAS) sent over television and radio channels. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are free notifications delivered to mobile devices as part of a public safety system.