The fall season is upon us, bringing along many weather risks. Learn how to be ready, responsive and resilient to the hazards. The time to prepare is now.
Flood
- Educate yourself on flood zones and evacuation routes. Consider flood insurance coverage no matter your zone.
- Make a family communication plan.
- Follow evacuation orders and avoid affected areas until authorized to enter.
- Get weather alerts on your mobile phone.
- Warning vs. Watch:
- Flood Warning – issued when flooding is expected; take action
- Flood Watch – issued when flooding is possible; be prepared
- Flood Safety Tips & Resources
Fog
- Slow down when you encounter fog. Do not change lanes or pass other vehicles unless absolutely necessary.
- Use low beam headlights.
- Dense Fog Advisory – issued when dense fog is expected; exercise caution
- Fog Safety Overview
Hurricanes
- Find out if you live in a hurricane storm surge evacuation area and plan your evacuation route. Identify shelters for pets.
- Gain an understanding of the National Weather Service warnings and watches.
- Hurricane Warning – issued when a hurricane is expected; seek shelter
- Hurricane Watch – issued with a hurricane is possible; be prepared
- Create an emergency plan and prepare an emergency supply kit for your family and pets. Don’t forget medications and identification. Always have cash.
- Sign up for Emergency Alerts.
- Remove or secure all items that will blow around.
- Know your home’s vulnerability to flooding, wind and storm surge. Board up windows with plywood or approved shutters.
- Hurricane Safety Tips & Resources
Wind
- Know the Threats.
- Straight Line Winds – Strong winds with no rotation, typically associated with severe thunderstorms & squall lines. Winds can reach up to 125mph and create large damage paths equal to that of a tornado.
- Powerful Storm Systems – Created by strong pressure gradient. Can knock down trees and power lines and blow over trailers and trucks.
- Dust Storms – Caused by wind blowing over dry areas. Can reduce visibility to nearly zero.
- Warnings, Watches & Advisories.
- High Wind Warning – issued when strong winds are expected; plan ahead
- High Wind Watch – issued when strong winds are possible; be prepared
- Actions to Take.
- Seek shelter inside that is away from trees, power lines and other objects. Stay away from windows.
- While driving, keep two hands on the wheel and avoid driving large vehicles, such as semi-trucks. Pull over if visibility is disrupted.
- Strong Wind Safety
Wildfires
- Find out if you live in a hurricane storm surge evacuation area and plan your evacuation route. Identify shelters for pets.
Winter Weather – Be Prepared for the Early Season Winter Storms
- Make sure trees are trimmed and away from power lines.
- Winterize your car with snow tires and a winter driving safety kit. Avoid driving when possible.
- Restock your emergency kit with extra batteries, food, etc.
- If you have a generator, make sure it is in working order and review the safety manual. Never run a generator in an enclosed space.
- Warnings, Watches & Advisories.
- Winter Storm Warning – issued when snow, sleet or ice are expected; take action
- Winter Storm Watch – issued when snow, sleet or ice is possible; be prepared
- Winter Storm Advisory – issued when wintry weather is expected; exercise caution
- Winter Safety Information
Become a part of building a Weather-Ready Nation, visit weather.gov/wrn/fall-safety. #WeatherReady #FallSafety
