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Severe Storm Awareness week is April 7-11. Sirens will be tested twice on Thursday April 10. The alert signal for tornados is a 5 minute steady tone on sirens, repeated as necessary. This warning is issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm.
If a severe weather warning is generated because of a thunderstorm:
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Get inside a home, building or hard top car and stay away from metallic objects and fixtures. |
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If you are inside a home, avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity. |
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Avoid using a corded phone, except for emergency. |
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Use your battery operated radio for local updates. |
If you are outside with no time to reach a safe
location:
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In a forest seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees. |
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In an open area, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert to flash floods. |
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Do not stand under a natural lightning rod such as a tall isolated tree in an open area. |
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Do not stand on a hilltop in an open field or the beach or in a boat on the water. |
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Get away from open water. If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately. |
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Get away from anything metal. |
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If you feel your hair stand on end (which indicates lightning is about to strike) squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your ears, and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground. Do not lie flat on the ground. |
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You are safer in your vehicle than outside. |
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Stay inside for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder. |
If a warning is generated because of a tornado:
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Go to your shelter immediately. |
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If there is no basement, go to an interior room on the lower level (put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. ) Get under a sturdy table and use arms to protect head and neck. |
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Do not open windows. Use the time to seek shelter. |
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Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. |
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In a school, nursing home, hospital, factory or shopping center, go to the predetermined shelter areas. Interior hallways on the lowest floor are usually best. Stay away from windows and open spaces. |
Read how to prepare your family for possible disasters.
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