Extreme weather events can pose real threats to our health and safety and cause serious property damage.
As our climate changes, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and other extreme weather events may become more frequent and more dangerous. Thunderstorms can bring heavy rains, flash flooding, tornadoes, strong winds, lightning and hail. Here are some tips on how to be as prepared as possible before the weather turns, and what to do when it does.
Have a plan.
Before severe weather arrives, identify a sheltered area in your home on the lowest floor, away from windows, where you can be safe from storms. Those living in upper-floor homes may need to shelter in a basement, and those in mobile homes should identify a nearby secure shelter.
Utility shutoffs should be located, and family members instructed on how to turn them off when necessary. Assemble an emergency kit containing flashlights, a battery-powered radio, spare batteries and a manual can opener and keep non-perishable canned or packaged food on hand.
Stay alert.
While some thunderstorms can be seen approaching from far away, others seem to come upon us suddenly and without warning. Severe weather alerts on your smartphone are a quick way to stay informed about approaching danger, with Canton Township offering an opt-in community alert system through Everbridge.
Items such as lawn furniture or trash cans should be tied down or brought inside before strong winds arrive. Most importantly, stay tuned to local weather stations or online sources to stay up to date.
Avoid lightning risks.
If you are at home when a thunderstorm is approaching, bring family and pets inside and avoid handling electrical equipment plugged into wall sockets, or water sources that travel through metal pipes.
If you are driving when the storm hits, pull over or park until the worst passes. If you are caught outdoors during a storm and cannot reach an indoor shelter, seek an open area and squat down as quickly as possible. Avoid solitary tall trees in otherwise open areas, as well as tall structures and metal objects. If trees are unavoidable, low trees are safer to be near than taller ones.
Steer clear of debris from high winds.
While tornadoes can and do occur here, powerful “straight-line” winds, such as those from downbursts, can be just as dangerous and are more common. The danger posed by windstorms—including tornadoes—depends on wind speed, and while tornadoes always have dangerously fast winds, straight-line winds can reach similar speeds.
If a tornado has been spotted, do not remain in a parked or moving vehicle but exit it immediately. If an indoor shelter is not immediately available, lie down in a ditch as soon as possible.
After a severe storm has passed, be aware of debris on roadways and downed power lines. Assume any downed line is carrying current and is dangerous, and avoid it entirely; do not touch it.
Know your risk.
Severe thunderstorms often bring heavy rain that can cause flooding in low-lying areas. It is important to know that flash flooding can occur in any low-lying area, not just those near rivers or other bodies of water.
All severe weather, tornadoes included, will have an associated Watch and Warning status. A Watch means that conditions make the formation of an extreme storm or tornado possible, while a Warning means that they have been confirmed to be present, either visually or by radar.
When a Watch is issued, begin preparing. When a Warning is issued, take shelter immediately.
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