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Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
755 AM EDT Wed May 2 2018

...SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK CONTINUES...

The National Weather Service and the New York State Office of
Emergency Management have proclaimed April 29 to May 5 Severe
Weather Awareness Week in New York State.

The National Weather Service in partnership with the agencies of the
New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission, local agencies,
volunteer agencies, and private sector organizations are urging all
New Yorkers to learn how to protect themselves from the hazards of
flooding, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms.

There are several steps you can take before, during, and after a
storm to keep safe this spring and summer.

Before a storm, develop a plan for you and your family at home,
school, work, and when you are outdoors. Identify in advance a safe
place to take shelter, and conduct frequent drills.

Know what action you will take when a warning is issued. Know the
county where you are located and the names of nearby towns. The
National Weather Service references county, town, and city names in
the warnings that are issued. Know where to tune to receive the
latest weather information.

During severe weather, postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms
are imminent. Move to a sturdy building or car. Stay away from tall
objects such as towers, isolated tall trees, and telephone poles. If
caught outdoors, find a low spot. Make sure your choice is not
susceptible to flooding. If you are in the woods, take shelter under
smaller trees. If you are boating or swimming, seek shelter on land
immediately.

If a tornado warning is issued, move to a place of safety,
preferably a basement or interior room. A car is not a safe location
during a tornado. Stay away from windows. Get as low to the ground
as possible, and cover your head. If you are caught outdoors and a
tornado threatens, lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your
head with your hands. Be aware of flying debris, which causes the
most fatalities and injuries during a tornado.

Mobile homes offer little protection from a tornado. Evacuate your
mobile home and move to your designated place of safety.

After the severe weather has cleared, get medical care quickly at
the nearest hospital if necessary. If the power is out, use
flashlights, not flammable objects such as candles, torches, or
lanterns. Report broken or downed utility lines to authorities. Boil
drinking water before use. Do not visit disaster areas.

Your chances of remaining safe during severe weather are greater if
you follow these safety rules. You should prepare now for the
upcoming severe weather season.

For more information about severe weather safety visit out website
at www.nws.noaa.gov/os/thunderstorm

$$

HITCHCOCK