A severe thunderstorm can produce large hail and damaging winds. Tornadoes can and occasionally accompany severe thunderstorms. 

To stay safe during a thunderstorm:

• Stay inside a sturdy building that can protect from lightning, hail, damaging winds, flooding rain and tornadoes. 
• Stay away from windows and avoid electrical equipment and plumbing. Remember to bring pets inside, and if you have time secure loose objects outside as they can become dangerous debris very quickly.
• Postpone outdoor activities.
• If caught outside, take shelter in a sturdy building or hard top automobile.  Avoid open spaces, isolated objects, high ground and metallic objects.
• Get out of boats and stay away from bodies of water.
• Have a way to hear weather updates, as conditions can change.

If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. NO PLACE is safe outside when there is lightning near. 

How to stay safe:

• Move to a safe shelter, a building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed hard top vehicle with the windows up.
• Remain in shelter until at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

Indoor Safety

• Stay off all electrical equipment.
• Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Do not lie on concrete floors, or lean against concrete walls.

Last Resort Outdoor Risk Reduction
If caught outside with no safe shelter these actions may reduce your risk:

• Get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ranges or peaks immediately.
• Do not lie flat on the ground.
• Never shelter under an isolated tree.
• Never use a cliff or rock overhang for shelter.
• Immediately get away from any and all bodies of water.
• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity.

Tornado watches are issued when conditions are favorable tornado development. People located in the watch area should keep an eye on the sky and listen to their weather radios for further information.

Tornado warnings are issued when a developing tornado has been detected by the National Weather Service doppler radar or a reliable report of a tornado has been reported. The storm could produce large hail and destructive straight line winds. If a tornado warning has been issued for your area you should seek safe shelter immediately.

In the event of a tornado:

• Get as low as you can. The lowest level of a building offers the greatest safety. Put as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible. Avoid windows!
• Tornadoes could be obstructed by rainfall or the dark of night. Do not wait until you see or hear the tornado.
• In homes or public buildings get to the lowest level possible or a small interior room. Close all doors to hallways, and if possible get under something sturdy. Protect yourself from debris with pillows, coats, or blankets. If possible, put on a helmet to protect your head.

In Mobile Homes

• Leave in advance of the severe weather and seek shelter in a strong building. If no shelter is near, get to the nearest ditch, low spot, or underground culvert. Lie flat, covering your head with your hands for protection.

If Caught Outside or in a Vehicle

• Try to limit outdoor plans when tornadoes are possible.
• If caught outside, seek shelter in a ditch or remain in your vehicle and cover your head for protection. 
• Do not seek shelter under highway overpasses as wind speeds may increase due to a tunneling effect. It is best to not put yourself and others in a situation where no sturdy shelter is available.

Most of all stay away from doors, winds, outside walls, and protect your head!

Flash floods are floods that happen very quickly. They generally develop within 6 hours of the cause. These floods exhibit a rapid rise of water over low lying areas. The most common reason for flash floods are the copious amount of rainfall from a thunderstorm. These downpours can rapidly change the water levels in a stream or creek and can turn these small waterways into dangerous rivers. 

Before the Flood

• Create a Communication Plan.
• Assemble an Emergency Kit.
• Know the Risk.
• Sign up for emergency alerts.
• Prepare your Home.
• Prepare your Family/Pets.
• Charge Essential Electronics.
• Leave.

During the Flood

• Stay Informed.
• Get to Higher Ground.
• Obey Evacuation Orders.
• Stay Away from Electricity.
• Avoid Flood Waters.

After the Flood

• Continue to Stay Informed.
• Avoid Flood Waters.
• Avoid Disaster Areas.
• Take notice of road closed and caution signs.
• Wait for the All Clear
• Contact Your Family and Friends

NEVER ATTEMPT TO DRIVE A VEHICLE THROUGH FLOOD WATER!!

Winter weather can bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain. It is important to know the terms for the different winter weather warnings, a winter storm warning means that snow, sleet, or ice is expected. Confidence is high that a winter storm will significantly impact the area. A winter storm watch means that snow, sleet, or ice is possible. Confidence is medium that winter weather will significantly impact the area. A winter weather advisory means that wintry weather is expected. Lights amount of wintry precipitation is expected and could affect travel if precautions are not taken.

To stay safe during winter weather:

If Outside:

• Find shelter and try to stay dry and cover exposed body parts.
• If there is no shelter, attempt to fashion a shelter. Build a fire if possible.
• Exercise to keep blood circulating and keep warm.

In Vehicles:

• If driving, slow down. Roads may be slick.
• Clear your vehicle of all snow or ice.
• Let someone know where you are.
• If you begin to skid while driving, remain calm, ease foot off gas and turn wheels in the direction you want the front of the car to go. If you havean anti-lock brake system, apply steady pressure to the brake. Never pump the breaks on an anti-lock brake system.
• Pull over if you have trouble driving.
• If you get stuck in the storm, remain in your vehicle. Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat, be sure to open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Clear snow from exhaust pipes.
• Be visible to rescuers.

Inside:

• Stay inside. Keep the room heated and well ventilated.
• If heat goes out, close off unneeded rooms to avoid wasting heat, stuff towels in cracks under doors, close blinds or curtains, eat and drink, and be sure to wear layers to retain heat.

Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States. Heat can be taxing on the body and everyone can be vulnerable to it.

To stay safe:

• NEVER leave a child, pet, or disabled person locked in a car, even in the winter.
• Be wary during outdoor activities. Try to reserve all outdoor activity for the coolest part of the day. Be sure to stay hydrated.
• Dress for the weather.
• Minimize direct exposure to sunlight.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Use air conditioners, fans, or cool baths or showers to cool yourself down.
• Be sure to check on others.