Weather Preparedness

With spring comes the threat of severe weather. March-May is peak tornado season. Please take a moment to review important safety precautions from the American Red Cross.

Tuned for Storm Warnings: Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.

Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means:
A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.

When a Tornado WATCH Is issued:

• Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.
• Be alert to changing weather condition. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.

A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.

When a Tornado WARNING Is Issued….

• If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.
• If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
• If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety (as above).

After the Tornado Passes:

• Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
• Use a flashlight to inspect your surroundings for damage. Do not not use candles at any time.

Family Emergency Preparedness

Family Emergency Preparedness Program emphasizes that advance preparation is the responsibility of all Henry County citizens. The idea of having a Family Emergency Preparedness Program began at the national level with the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The American Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging local jurisdictions to become actively involved in disaster preparedness. Therefore, the Henry County Emergency Management Agency, and the local Red Cross Chapters of Henry County are working together to support “Family Emergency Preparedness”.

Pamphlets are available for this special program to train families in how to protect themselves against serious emergencies or disasters. “Families can and do cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team.” the Family Preparedness Guide states, “Knowing what to do is your best protection” it explains, “and is your responsibility!” These attractive, easy-to-read brochures are available from the Henry Emergency Management Agency . These pamphlets include titles such as:

• “Your Family Disaster Plan”
• “Helping Children Cope with Disaster”
• “Preparing for Disaster”

Having an understanding on the part of your family members, particularly the children, of what to do, whom to call, and how to get help in an emergency is a vital step in the right direction toward family emergency preparedness. It also is important to know how long the emergency situation will exist, and to know that emergency information is available.

Every Henry County household should have at least one portable battery powered AM-FM radio available at all times, including a fresh supply of unused batteries to use in case of a serious emergency or disaster when normal electrical power has been lost. This is the advice of officials of the Henry County Emergency Management Agency. Emergency preparedness, however, is an individual responsibility. No one will do it for you.

Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be just about anywhere… at work… at school… or in the car. Officials of the Henry County Emergency Management Agency believe this is very important to you and to all members of your family. If you have a family emergency plan, it will help you know how to find each other when any kind of disaster strikes close by. If you are a parent, you want to know that your child are safe, or that your parents or in-laws are protected from danger.

Local officials in your community know that some serious emergencies can mean that basic utilities such as drinking water, natural gas supplies, electrical power or your telephone service maybe interrupted. The emergency may last for hours, or even days. Sometimes you could be isolated for some time before relief comes from emergency response units or repair crews— and you will have to “go it alone.” Would you be ready for that? That’s why the Henry County Emergency Management Agency officials want you to plan ahead. You should be able to cope with disaster by preparing in advance, and training with other members of your home or neighborhood to work together as a team. Knowing what to do is your responsibility and your best protection.

Here are some other keys to protecting yourself in such an event:

1. Take along a battery powered portable AM-FM radio and follow the instructions given by local emergency officials. You should have a supply of unused fresh batteries.
2. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
3. Take along your emergency supplies kit.
4. Lock your home securely.
5. Use the travel routes specified by local authorities - don’t take a chance on short cuts which could be impassible or dangerous.

IF YOU ARE CERTAIN YOU HAVE TIME:

• Shut off the water, gas and electricity — if instructed to do so. Post a note stating what time you left and, if you know, where you are going.
• Make an Emergency supply Kit that Stays in Your Car.

Here are some items to consider to put in your Emergency Supply Kit:

• A good first aid kit.
• A blanket roll or sleeping bag or two.
• Pure bottled water in a secure, unopened container.
• Canned fruits and nuts, durable high energy foods.
• A combination can/bottle opener and jack knife.
• A small box plastic eating utensils and a roll of paper towel.
• A strong, short shovel for digging.
• Rain gear and a few versatile items of warm clothing to fit family members.
• Traction mats or tire chains in case of mud or snow.
• Booster (jumper) cables and a few basic hand tools.
• Matches in a tight (waterproof) container and some candles.
• A good flashlight with a supply of spare batteries.