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TORNADO SAFETY TIPS TO STAY SAFE DURING A TORNADO, prepare a plan and an emergency kit, stay aware of weather conditions during thunderstorms, know the best places to shelter both indoors

and outdoors, and always protect your head. TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FROM HARM DURING A TORNADO, pay close attention to changing weather conditions in your area. If you know

thunderstorms are expected, stay tuned to local radio and TV stations or an NOAA weather radio for further weather information. Some tornadoes strike rapidly without time for a tornado

warning. The following weather signs may mean that a tornado is approaching: * A dark or green-colored sky * A large, dark, low-lying cloud * Large hail * A loud roar that sounds like a

freight train If you notice any of these conditions, take cover immediately, and keep tuned to local radio and TV stations or to a NOAA weather radio or check the internet. KNOW WHEN TO

SHELTER. Falling and flying debris causes most deaths and injuries during a tornado. Although there is no completely safe place during a tornado, some locations are much safer than others. *

Go to the basement or an inside room without windows on the lowest floor (bathroom, closet, center hallway). * If possible, avoid sheltering in a room with windows. * For added protection

get under something sturdy (a heavy table or workbench). Cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag or mattress. Protect your head with anything available. * DO NOT STAY IN A MOBILE HOME.

FLOOD SAFETY TIPS DURING A FLOOD WATCH OR WARNING * Gather emergency supplies, including non-perishable food and water. Store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and each pet.

Store at least a 3-day supply. * Listen to your local radio or television station for updates. * Have immunization records handy (or know the year of your last tetanus shot). * Store

immunization records in a waterproof container. * Bring in outdoor items (lawn furniture, grills, trash cans) or tie them down securely. * If evacuation appears necessary, turn off all

utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve. * Leave areas subject to flooding such as low spots, canyons, washes, etc. (REMEMBER: avoid driving through flooded areas and

standing water.) After you return home, if you find that your home was flooded, practice safe cleaning. AFTER FLOODING OCCURS * AVOID DRIVING THROUGH FLOODED AREAS AND STANDING WATER. AS

LITTLE AS SIX INCHES OF WATER CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONTROL OF YOUR VEHICLE. * Do not drink flood water, or use it to wash dishes, brush teeth, or wash/prepare food. Drink clean, safe water.

* If you evacuated, return to your home only after local authorities have said it is safe to do so. * Listen for boil water advisories. Local authorities will let you know if your water is

safe for drinking and bathing. * During a water advisory, use only bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking, etc. * When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food and

bottled water that comes/may have come into contact with floodwater. * Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Use generators at least 20 feet from any doors, windows, or vents. If you use a

pressure washer, be sure to keep the engine outdoors and 20 feet from windows, doors, or vents as well. Never run your car or truck inside a garage that is attached to a house even with the

garage door open. The initial damage caused by a flood is not the only risk. Standing floodwater can also spread infectious diseases, bring chemical hazards, and cause injuries. After you

return home, if you find that your home was flooded, practice safe cleaning. Remove and throw out drywall and insulation that was contaminated with floodwater or sewage. Throw out items that

cannot be washed and cleaned with a bleach solution: mattresses, pillows, carpeting, carpet padding, and stuffed toys. Homeowners may want to temporarily store items outside of the home

until insurance claims can be filed. See recommendations by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)external icon. Clean walls, hard-surfaced floors, and other household surfaces with

soap and water and disinfect with a solution of one cup of bleach to five gallons of water.