How you should prepare for storms

Whether at home or at school, before severe weather arrives, here's what you can do to prepare:

• Locate a safe shelter area
• Store drinking water, first aid kit, canned/no-cook food, manual can opener, radio, flashlight and extra batteries, all placed where you can easily find them in the dark.
• Keep essential medicines on hand
• Keep cars and other vehicles fueled and in good repair, with a winter emergency kit in each.
• Get a NOAA Weather Radio to monitor severe weather.
• Know how the public is warned (siren, radio, TV, etc.) and the warning terms for each kind of weather related emergency.

Winter storm watch …be alert, a storm is coming

Winter storm warning…take action, a storm is entering the area

Blizzard warning…snow and strong winds will produce blinding snow and zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill--seek refuge immediately

Winter weather advisory…Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists

Frost/freeze warning…Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause damage to plants, crops or fruit trees

Flash flood or flood watch…be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moments notice

Flash flood warning…A flash flood is imminent--act quickly to save yourself because you may have only seconds

Flood warning...Flooding has been reported or is imminent--take necessary precautions at once--know safe routes from home, work and school to high ground

Severe thunderstorm watch...Weather conditions could result in a storm with damaging winds (58 miles per hour or more), or hail (three-fourths of an inch in diameter or greater). There is time to locate a safe place in the home and tell family members to watch the sky and listen to the radio or television for more information.

Severe thunderstorm warning...A severe thunderstorm has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. The danger is very serious and everyone should go to a safe place, turn on a battery-operated radio or television, and wait for the "all clear" by the authorities.

Tornado watch...Weather conditions indicate a tornado is possible in the area. Listen to the radio or TV for further updates. Be alert to changing weather conditions, blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado. Many say it sounds like a freight train.

Tornado warning...A tornado has been sighted and may be headed for the area. Go immediately to safety. If inside, go to a place picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. If 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. Do not try to outrun a tornado.

Environmental Clues:
     •dark, often greenish sky
     •wall cloud
     •large hail
     •loud roar, similar to a freight train