Preparing for Thunderstorm and Tornado Weather

Spring storm season is upon us and storms with straight line winds, hail and lightening can be extremely dangerous and damaging. Here are a few tips to make this time of year a little safer.

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1. Determine the safest place in your home to wait out a storm. Make sure all family members know where to go in the event of a weather emergency. If you do not have a basement or storm shelter choose a small room or closet in the center of the home.
2. Stay away from windows
3. Heavy furniture can provide additional shelter
4. Designate a meeting spot outside your home where all family members meet in the event of a fire or weather disaster.
5. If you seek shelter in your basement make sure the path is unobstructed. My basement is a catch all and often times there is no place to go because of all the junk. Clean up an area and keep it clear.
6. Keep drinking water on hand (a 3 gallon container per person is recommended.)
7. Keep your flashlights in the same place so you can find them even in the dark when the electricity goes out.
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8. Create a "disaster supply kit" which includes your water, flashlights, blankets, canned foods, and a manual can opener. If possible purchase a battery or crank radio.
9. Keep your pet's carrier or leash in the same spot so you can find it easily in a storm. My Golden Retriever won't go into the basement and has to be forcibly carried (a hazard to my DH and her!)
10. Check your batteries monthly and replace as necessary. Nothing is worse than having dead flashlights batteries.
11. A WATCH means conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather.

    A WARNING means severe weather has been reported or detected by RADAR. Seek shelter immediately and stay tuned to weather reports.

12. If severe weather hits, Keep calm and follow instructions from the national weather service.

Do not call 911 to ask "What Happened" Remember that 911 is for (injured) people needing assistance in an actual emergency-tune into the radio instead to get up to date information.

Source: Excerpted from LG$E Power Source April 2008 flyer and my own experiences and common sense.

By Diana from Prospect, KY