Severe Weather Safety Tips

Since 2012 Cuyahoga County has experienced the remnants of a deadly hurricane, a tornado, Arctic cold, flooding, and heat emergencies.

To encourage Americans to prepare for weather emergencies, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have designated the week of March 2 through March 8, 2014, as National Severe Weather Preparedness Week.

If a weather disaster strikes, safety forces may not be able to assist you immediately. Taking some simple steps now can help you and your family make it through the immediate aftermath of a severe weather event:

• Purchase a NOAA weather radio – Get one with a tone alarm that can alert you when severe weather warnings are issued by the National Weather Service (NWS).
• Learn how to protect yourself from deadly weather – Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management www.ready.cuyahogacounty.us ; FEMA www.ready.gov ; and the American Red Cross www.redcross.org.
• Put together a disaster supply kit- Include non-perishable food, water, extra flashlights and batteries, first aid supplies, duct tape, blankets, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
• Make plans for communicating with all family members – Also, have a plan for where you will go if you have to evacuate your home or neighborhood.

For more information on severe weather safety, visit the Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management’s web site at www.cuyahogacounty.us or contact the Office of Emergency Management at 216-443-5700 or at ema@cuyahogacounty.us.