Viewer Tip: September is National Preparedness Month. Are you prepared? Make sure you have the supplies and information you need to stay safe if a natural disaster or other emergency occurs in your area.

• Get a Kit. Keep an emergency supply kit at home that will cover the basics of survival: food, fresh water, clean air and warmth. Find a list of suggested emergency supply kit items at www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html.
• Have a Plan. All family members should know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in different emergency situations. Find out if workplaces, daycares and schools have emergency plans. Get tips for making an emergency plan at www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html.
• Consider Your Needs. Remember that additional planning may be required for older individuals, family members who are disabled or require special medications or medical treatments, and pets.
  • Tips for older individuals: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/seniors.html
  • Tips for people with disabilities or special needs: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/disabled.html
  • Tips for pet owners: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html
• Know Your Stuff. Find out what kinds of natural and man-made disasters may occur in your area. Know how you will be notified of an emergency in your community (TV or radio broadcasts, sirens, telephone calls, etc.), and learn about emergency plans established by your state or local government. Links for community and state preparedness information can be found at www.ready.gov/america/local/index.html.

(Sources: NOAA NCDC. “Billion Dollar U.S. Weather/Climate Disasters.” http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/reports/billionz.html#chron’ National Preparedness Month 2011. http://community.fema.gov/connect.ti/READYNPM)

Viewer Tip: This is the perfect time to make a family disaster plan. NOAA’s National Hurricane Center offers these tips for creating your family disaster plan:

• Discuss the types of hazards that could affect your home and check your insurance coverage. Many home insurance policies do not cover flood damage.
• Learn evacuation routes for your community and choose a meeting place for family members. Designate an out-of-state friend or family member as a point of contact for all family members in case you are separated.
• Choose a safe room in your home in case you have to shelter in place. Put together a disaster supply kit. For a list of items to include in your kit, visit www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml.
• Make a plan for pets in the event of evacuation. Most shelters will not allow pets.
• Have a NOAA Weather Radio handy to listen for weather information and warnings.

Learn more about National Hurricane Preparedness Week at www.nhc.noaa.gov/outreach/prepared_week.shtml.

Viewer Tip: Are you prepared? Make sure you have the supplies and information you need to stay safe if a natural disaster or other emergency occurs in your area.

• Get a Kit. Keep an emergency supply kit at home that will cover the basics of survival: food, fresh water, clean air and warmth. Find a list of suggested emergency supply kit items at www.ready.gov/america/npm10/getakit.html.
• Have a Plan. All family members should know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in different emergency situations. Find out if workplaces, daycares and schools have emergency plans. Get tips for making an emergency plan at www.ready.gov/america/npm10/makeaplan.html.
• Consider Your Needs. Remember that additional planning may be required for older Americans, family members who are disabled or require special medications or medical treatments, and pets.
  • Tips for older Americans: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/seniors.html
  • Tips for people with disabilities or special needs: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/disabled.html
  • Tips for pet owners: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html
• Know Your Stuff. Find out what kinds of natural and man-made disasters may occur in your area. Know how you will be notified of an emergency in your community, TV or radio broadcasts, sirens, telephone calls, etc., and learn about emergency plans established by your state or local government. Links for community and state preparedness information can be found at www.ready.gov/america/local/index.html.

Season: Fall

(Sources: FEMA. August 2009. “Personal Preparedness in America: Findings from the 2009 Citizen Corps National Survey.” http://www.citizencorps.gov/pdf/2009_Citizen%20Corps_National%20Survey_Findings.pdf;  National Preparedness Month 2010. http://www.ready.gov/america/npm10/index.html)

Viewer Tip: Anyone can join the SKYWARN program. To become a storm spotter, you must attend a free training class at any of the 122 National Weather Service Weather Forecast Offices around the country. You’ll learn to identify and describe severe weather and you’ll also learn about basic weather safety. To get more information about SKYWARN and find out when classes are available in your area, visit www.nws.noaa.gov/skywarn or contact your local National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist at www.stormready.noaa.gov/contact.htm.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service. SKYWARN. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/skywarn/)

Viewer Tip: This is the perfect time to make a family disaster plan. NOAA’s National Hurricane Center offers these tips for creating your family disaster plan:

• Discuss the types of hazards that could affect your home and check your insurance coverage. Many home insurance policies do not cover flood damage.
• Learn evacuation routes for your community and choose a meeting place for family members. Designate an out-of-state friend or family member as a point of contact for all family members in case you are separated.
• Choose a safe room in your home in case you have to shelter in place. Put together a disaster supply kit. For a list of items to include inyour kit, visit www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml.
• Make a plan for pets in the event of evacuation. Most shelters will not allow pets.
• Have a NOAA Weather Radio handy to listen for weather information and warnings.

Find these and additional preparedness tips at www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/disaster_prevention.shtml.

Learn more about National Hurricane Preparedness Week at www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml.

Viewer Tip: Flying debris, trash and other large items carried away by high winds, is one of the most common causes of injury during severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.  Protect your home by keeping trees and shrubs pruned and removing any large branches, firewood, or other items that could be blown away by high winds.  Keep a list of items to bring inside during a severe storm, such as patio furniture and children’s toys. Don’t forget to bring pets in, too.

(Sources: The National Weather Service, www.nws.noaa.gov; The American Red Cross, www.redcross.org)

Viewer Tip: Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week.  Having supplies set aside will help ensure you and your family stay safe should severe weather occur in your community. Some of the items that should be included in an emergency kit are:

• First-aid kit
• Extra prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids and other important medical supplies
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
• A 3-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of bottled water per person per day
• Coolers for food/ice, paper plates, plastic utensils, a can opener and a knife
• Tools such as a fire extinguisher, duct tape and rope
• Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothing
• Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
• Don’t forget to plan for pets! They will need food, water and medication, too.

Find a family emergency kit checklist and other Severe Weather Awareness resources at http://www.mcready.org/info.html and http://www.srh.weather.gov/oun/?n=swaw.

Season: Winter

(Source: Norman, OK National Weather Service Forecast Office.  “Oklahoma Severe Weather Awareness.” http://www.srh.weather.gov/oun/?n=swaw)

Viewer Tip: Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week.  Having supplies set aside will help ensure you and your family stay safe should severe weather occur in your community. Some of the items that should be included in an emergency kit are:

• First-aid kit
• Extra prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids and other important medical supplies
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
• A 3-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of bottled water per person per day
• Coolers for food/ice, paper plates, plastic utensils, a can opener and a knife
• Tools such as a fire extinguisher, duct tape and rope
• Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothing
• Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
• Don’t forget to plan for pets! They will need food, water and medication, too.

Find a family emergency kit checklist and other Severe Weather Awareness resources at http://gohsep.la.gov/.

Season: Winter

(Source: Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness. “Emergency Kit.” http://www.getagameplan.org/planFamily.htm)

Viewer Tip: Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week.  Having supplies set aside will help ensure you and your family stay safe should severe weather occur in your community. Some of the items that should be included in an emergency kit are:

• First-aid kit
• Extra prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids and other important medical supplies
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
• A 3-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of bottled water per person per day
• Coolers for food/ice, paper plates, plastic utensils, a can opener and a knife
• Tools such as a fire extinguisher, duct tape and rope
• Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothing
• Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
• Don’t forget to plan for pets! They will need food, water and medication, too.

Find a family emergency kit checklist from the American Red Cross at: http://6l3zyr.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html.

Season: Winter

(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service, Office of Climate, Water and Weather Services. “Severe Weather Events Calendar.” http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/severeweather/severewxcal.shtml; American Red Cross. “Disaster Supplies Kit.” http://6l3zyr.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html)

Viewer Tip: Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week.  Having supplies set aside will help ensure you and your family stay safe should severe weather occur in your community. Some of the items that should be included in an emergency kit are:

• First-aid kit
• Extra prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids and other important medical supplies
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
• A 3-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of bottled water per person per day
• Coolers for food/ice, paper plates, plastic utensils, a can opener and a knife
• Tools such as a fire extinguisher, duct tape and rope
• Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothing
• Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
• Don’t forget to plan for pets! They will need food, water and medication, too.

Find a family emergency kit checklist from the American Red Cross at: http://6l3zyr.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html.

Season: Winter

(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service, Office of Climate, Water and Weather Services. “Severe Weather Events Calendar.” http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/severeweather/severewxcal.shtml; American Red Cross. “Disaster Supplies Kit.” http://6l3zyr.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html

Viewer Tip: Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week.  Having supplies set aside will help ensure you and your family stay safe should severe weather occur in your community. Some of the items that should be included in an emergency kit are:

• First-aid kit
• Extra prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids and other important medical supplies
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
• A 3-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of bottled water per person per day
• Coolers for food/ice, paper plates, plastic utensils, a can opener and a knife
• Tools such as a fire extinguisher, duct tape and rope
• Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothing
• Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
• Don’t forget to plan for pets! They will need food, water and medication, too.

Find a family emergency kit checklist from the American Red Cross at: http://6l3zyr.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html.

Season: Winter

(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service, Office of Climate, Water and Weather Services. “Severe Weather Events Calendar.” http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/severeweather/severewxcal.shtml; American Red Cross. “Disaster Supplies Kit.” http://6l3zyr.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html)

Viewer Tip: Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week.  Having supplies set aside will help ensure you and your family stay safe should severe weather occur in your community. Some of the items that should be included in an emergency kit are:

• First-aid kit
• Extra prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids and other important medical supplies
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
• A 3-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of bottled water per person per day
• Coolers for food/ice, paper plates, plastic utensils, a can opener and a knife
• Tools such as a fire extinguisher, duct tape and rope
• Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothing
• Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
• Don’t forget to plan for pets! They will need food, water and medication, too.

Find a family emergency kit checklist and other Severe Weather Awareness resources at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/weather_aware_severe.htm.

Season: Winter

(Source: Texas Department of Public Safety. “Severe Weather Awareness.” http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/weather_aware_severe.htm)

Viewer Tip: Are you prepared. Taking a few simple steps now can help you and your family members stay safe if a natural disaster or other emergency occurs in your area.

• Make an Emergency Kit.  Gather enough supplies for at least three days. Some things to include are water, non-perishable food and can opener, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, and first aid kit.  Find a complete list of items for your kit: www.ready.gov/america/npm08/getakit.html.
• Make a Family Emergency Plan.  Make sure every family member knows who to contact in an emergency.  Make sure you have planned for older and disabled family members, and pets.  Download a family emergency planner: www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html.
• Know Your Stuff.  Find out what kinds of natural disasters are likely to occur in your area.  Know evacuation routes and learn about emergency plans developed by your local or state government.

Season: Fall

(Sources: Department of Homeland Security. November 14, 2006. “Homeland Security Launches New Ads to Demonstrate Importance of Family Emergency Planning.”http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1163518483290.shtm; National Preparedness Month 2008. http://www.ready.gov/america/npm08/intro.html)

Viewer Tip: Keep these tips in mind to stay safe after tornado damage has occurred.

• Listen to your local media or NOAA Weather Radio for updates and information about storm impacts, road closures, and safety instructions.
• If you left your home, listen to instructions from local authorities.  Only return when they say it is safe.
• Watch for fallen power lines or broken gas lines – don’t touch them, and report them to your local utility immediately.
• Stay away from damaged buildings, which may not be safe.
• When performing clean-up activities, wear long sleeves and pants, and sturdy shoes.  One of the most common injuries after a disaster is cut feet.
• Check walls, floors, staircases, doors, and windows for damage to make sure your home or building is not in danger of collapsing.  Use a flashlight to inspect your home, never use candles.
• Check for fire hazards (damage to electrical systems, spilled flammable liquids) and gas leaks.

Learn more about tornados, preparedness, and clean-up in the National Disaster Education Coalition’s “Talking About Disaster” Guide: www.redcross.org/images/pdfs/code/tornadoes.pdf.  

Season: Spring

(Sources: National Disaster Education Coalition, Washington, DC. 2004. “Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages.” http://www.disastereducation.org/)

Viewer Tip: Some of the items that should be included in an emergency kit are:

• Water - One gallon per person, per day. Keep at least a three-day supply in clean plastic containers. 
• Food - A three-day supply of non-perishable food, such as ready-to-eat canned foods, snack bars, nuts, dried fruit, etc. Keep food for infants on-hand, too. Include a can opener.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio to help you stay informed during the emergency. A NOAA Weather Radio will broadcast warnings, watches, forecasts, and other important weather information.
• First-Aid kit.
• Dust masks, which will help filter the air if necessary.
• Wrench or pliers to help you turn off utilities, if necessary.
• Maps of your community to help with evacuation, if necessary

Find additional suggestions for emergency kit items in the “Get a Kit” section of the Ready America website: www.semo.state.ny.us/uploads/2008_Be_Prepared.pdf.

Learn more about New York Severe Weather Awareness and find additional tips at: www.semo.state.ny.us/

(Sources: New York State Emergency Management Office. “Severe Weather Awareness Week 2008.” http://www.semo.state.ny.us/; http://www.ready.gov/)  

• Monday, April 14: NWS Watch and Warning Program
• Tuesday, April 15: Severe Thunderstorm Climatology
• Wednesday, April 16: Severe Weather Safety
• Thursday, April 17: Lightning Safety
• Friday, April 18: Weather Information Sources

Viewer Tip: Montana experiences a number of different weather hazards, including hail, tornadoes, high winds, and thunderstorms.  Next to flash floods, lightning is the number-two killer in the U.S., and Montana experienced more than 363,000 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes per year between 1996 and 2005!  If you are outside, watch for signs of approaching storms – darker skies, lightning, increasing wind – and listen for thunder.  Head for shelter if you hear thunder, and wait at least 30 minutes after the last audible thunder before you head back out.  Remember that pets are vulnerable to lightning strikes too - most outdoor pet enclosures are not lightning-safe.  

Find more severe weather information and safety tips at the Montana Severe Weather Awareness Week website: www.wrh.noaa.gov/byz/severe/index.php?wfo=mso.  

Season: Spring

(Sources: National Weather Service Forecast Office, Missoula, MT: Montana Severe Weather Awareness Week. http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/byz/severe/index.php?wfo=mso; National Lightning Detection Network (Vaisala). “Rank of Cloud-to-Ground Flash Densities by State from 1996-2005.” http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/pdfs/Vaisala%2096-05%20Rank%20of%20CG%20Flash%20Densities%20By%20State.pdf) 

Viewer Tip: While peak tornado time is generally March through May, the storms can occur at any time of year.  This is your chance to develop and test a family tornado preparedness plan.  Keep these tips in mind to be prepared:

• Always listen to your local media or NOAA Weather Radio for warnings and information about severe weather.  It is important to remember, however, that tornadoes can occur with little or no warning, and you must be ready to act quickly.
• The safest place to be during a tornado is in the basement – if you don’t have a basement, choose a small room on the lowest floor, and as close to the center of your home as possible.  The room should be away from windows – bathrooms or closets are good choices.
• If you are outside, head for lowest level of a nearby building.  If there is no building to go to, protect yourself by lying flat on the ground in a low area, and cover your head with your arms and hands.  Do not seek shelter under a highway overpass or bridge – these areas are not safe.

Find more tips at the American Red Cross Tornado Safety Page: www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_591_,00.html.  

Season: Spring

(Sources: National Weather Service, Albuquerque, NM Weather Forecast Office. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/abq/preparedness/SWA/svrwxwk2008.php; National Weather Service. “The Online Tornado FAQ.” http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/)  

Viewer Tip: Ohio’s peak tornado season is generally April through July, and the state has designated today, Wednesday, March 26th for the “Statewide Tornado Drill.”   This is your chance to develop and test a family tornado preparedness plan.  Keep these tips in mind to be prepared:

• Always listen to your local media or NOAA Weather Radio for warnings and information about severe weather.  It is important to remember, however, that tornadoes can occur with little or no warning, and you must be ready to act quickly.
• The safest place to be during a tornado is in the basement – if you don’t have a basement, choose a small room on the lowest floor, and as close to the center of your home as possible.  The room should be away from windows – bathrooms or closets are good choices.
• If you are outside, head for lowest level of a nearby building.  If there is no building to go to, protect yourself by lying flat on the ground in a low area, and cover your head with your arms and hands.  Do not seek shelter under a highway overpass or bridge – these areas are not safe.

Find more information and severe weather preparedness tips at the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA) website: www.weathersafety.ohio.gov/.  

Season: Spring

(Sources: Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness. “Tornado Facts, Safety Tips, and Insurance Information.” http://www.weathersafety.ohio.gov/TornadoFacts2007.aspx)  

Viewer Tip: This is your chance to develop and test a family tornado preparedness plan! Choose a place for your family members to gather in case of a tornado – the basement, or a center room on the lowest level of your house (such as a bathroom, closet, or center hallway). If you live in a tall building, you may not be able to get to lowest floor – head to a hallway that is in the center of the building, instead.

This is also a great time to make sure you have an emergency kit on-hand. It should include first aid materials and medications, a battery-powered radio, flashlight, batteries, canned food (won’t spoil) and a can opener, and bottled water. Make sure your family also knows how to turn off utilities in an emergency.

Season: Spring

(Sources: Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “Preparing for Tornadoes,” http://www.vdem.state.va.us/threats/tornado/tornprep.cfm, and “Virginia to Participate in Statewide Tornado Drill.” http://www.vdem.state.va.us/threats/tornado/torn_drill.cfm)

Viewer Tip: Make sure you’re prepared for severe thunderstorms by picking a safe spot in your home – try to choose a room that does not have skylights, windows, or glass doors which could be broken by high winds or hail.Try to designate your “safe spot” on the lowest floor or your home or building, in case a thundestorm is accompanied by tornado warnings. During severe storms, it’s best to avoid telephones and electrical appliances, which cantransmit electricity through wires; bathubs, water faucets, and sinks can also transmit electricity through metal pipes.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages. Produced by the National Disaster Education Coalition, Washington, DC, 2004.)