Ardmore2023

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS REDUCE YOUR RISKS FROM NATURAL HAZARDS

You face a variety of threats to your health and safety from natural hazards such as thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, floods, flash floods, hurricanes, heat waves and winter storms. Fo unately, the impact of these hazards can be significantly reduced through awareness, planning and preparedness. We encourage each family to develop a family disaster plan before disaster strikes. For more information about family disaster plans, contact your local emergency management agency (EMA), the nearest chapter of the American Red Cross or the National Weather Service. Remember, when severe weather approaches, monitor local radio and TV stations or NOAA weather radio, and follow the safety tips below :

Thunderstorms & Lightning • Delay outdoor activities. • If caught outdoors, move quickly indoors or into a hardtop vehicle — avoid conve ibles. • Stay away from trees, sheds, telephone or power lines, metal pipes or fences. • If inside, avoid using telephones or other appliances. Tornadoes • If a watch is issued, tornadoes are possible. Stay ale and be ready to take immediate cover. • If a warning is issued, a tornado has been sighted or observed on radar. Move to shelter, such as a basement or interior hallway, immediately. • If outside, seek shelter in a safe building, ditch or low area. • Evacuate mobile homes immediately. • Leave vehicles and take shelter in a building, ditch or low area. Floods/Flash Floods • Learn local flood risks. • Purchase flood insurance. • During a flood, store drinking water in clean bathtubs and other containers. • Keep a supply of food that requires no refrigeration or cooking. • Do not eat food that has come into contact with floodwaters. • Be aware of downed power lines and other utility disruptions. • Avoid flooded areas, do not drive on flooded roads, and evacuate stalled vehicles in flooded areas.

Hurricanes • If a watch is issued, a hurricane may strike within 24 to 36 hours. • If a warning is issued, a hurricane is expected to strike within 24 hours. • Have three-day supply of nonperishable food and a “disaster kit” with spare clothing, first aid supplies including prescriptions, flashlights, po able radio, ba eries, credit cards and cash. • Fill vehicle fuel tanks. • Shu er windows and tie down or bring in lawn furniture, grills and other items. • If local officials recommend evacuation, leave. Heat Waves • Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. • Stay indoors. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. • Drink plenty of water, regularly and o en. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine. • Eat small meals and eat more o en, but avoid high-protein foods — they increase metabolic heat. • Avoid salt tablets, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Winter Storms • If a watch is issued, be ale to changing conditions and avoid unnecessary travel. • If a warning is issued, stay indoors. If you must go outside, wear several layers of lightweight clothing, gloves and a hat; cover your mouth to protect your lungs; understand the dangers of wind chill; walk carefully; and avoid overexe ion.

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