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NOUS41 KALY 241200
PNSALY
800 AM EDT Wed Apr 24 2024

...Severe Weather Awareness Week Continues...

Today we review severe weather preparedness and safety.

Here are steps you can take before, during and after a storm to help
keep safe this summer.

Before a storm, develop a plan. Whether at home, school, work,
church or when you are outdoors, identify a safe place to take
shelter. Know how to receive the latest weather information. Make
sure your wireless phone is charged or keep a portable battery pack.
Know what action you will take when a warning is issued. Conduct
frequent drills.

Because all thunderstorms contain deadly lightning, postpone outdoor
activities if thunderstorms are near. Move to a sturdy building or
car. Stay away from tall objects such as towers, isolated trees and
telephone poles. If caught outdoors, find a low spot. Make sure your
choice is not susceptible to flooding. If in the woods, take shelter
under smaller trees. If you are boating or swimming, seek shelter on
land immediately. When thunder roars, go indoors!

If a tornado warning is issued, move to a pre designated place of
safety, preferably a basement or interior room. Stay away from
windows. Get as low to the floor as possible. Cover your head. If
caught outdoors and a tornado threatens, lay flat in a ditch or
depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of
flying debris. Flying debris causes most fatalities and injuries
during a tornado. Mobile and manufactured homes offer little
protection from tornadoes. Evacuate mobile and manufactured homes
and move to your designated place of shelter.

After the severe weather has cleared, if the power is out, use
flashlights for light. Don`t use flammable objects such as candles
or lanterns which can cause fires. Assume all downed wires are
energized and can electrocute you. Report broken power lines to the
utility company. Do not run generators indoors as poisonous carbon
monoxide can build up. Boil tap water before use if instructed to do
so.

You should prepare now for the upcoming severe weather season. Be
smart. Take part. Prepare.

Most current wireless devices can receive wireless emergency alerts
for tornadoes and flash flooding. The Federal Emergency Management
Agency, FEMA, relays national weather service tornado and flash
flood warnings through cellular carriers to smart phones and other
wireless devices.

More information is at www.weather.gov/albany or on social media
@NWSAlbany.

Tomorrow we look at tornadoes.
$$
NWS Albany