It is easy to become complacent about the weather, but severe weather claims hundreds of lives each year.
From tornadoes and floods to lightning, high winds, and extreme heat or cold, severe weather can cause destruction and power outages. Many people end up in dangerous situations because they think they can outrun or outsmart a storm, extreme temperatures, or other hazardous conditions. Being prepared with supplies, a plan, and safety knowledge can help protect you and your family.
Watch versus warning
When severe weather is approaching, many people turn on the TV, check a weather app, or go online for updates. It is important to know the difference between a watch and a warning.
A watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather, such as a severe thunderstorm or tornado. Stay alert, monitor conditions, and take precautionary steps, such as unplugging electronics and checking your emergency kit.
A warning means severe weather is occurring, is imminent, or is indicated by radar. Take shelter immediately in the safest part of the building, such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
Follow these tips to stay safe
- Install a weather app and enable severe weather alerts.
- Remember that a warning means it is time to act.
- Have an evacuation plan for hazards such as floods or wildfires.
- Establish a family communication plan, including each person's responsibilities and a meeting place in case you are separated.
- Keep emergency kits stocked and up to date. Include a first-aid kit; portable phone charger; portable radio; flashlights; batteries; manual can opener; and food, water, medications, and other personal and pet supplies to last at least three to five days.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a generator.
- Use a generator only outdoors in an open area and never in a garage, carport, or other enclosed space.
- Keep portable generators at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents.
Know how to keep others safe
Storms can be unpredictable and can damage the power grid. Severe weather may also make utility equipment harder to access. During and after major weather events, line crews may be out restoring power and making repairs.
Everyone should do their part to help keep lineworkers and utility crews safe.
- Slow down and move over in work zones.
- Do not distract crews while they work.
- Direct service questions to your utility.
- Check your utility's social media channels or text alerts for outage updates, if available.
- Never plug a generator into a wall outlet. Doing so can cause backfeed, which sends electricity from your home back onto power lines.
Stay alert during cleanup
- If the power is out, stay indoors unless you must leave to remain safe.
- Be alert for downed power lines that may be hidden by ice, snow, standing water, or storm debris.
- Never approach a downed power line. Call 9-1-1, then keep others away.
- Do not trim trees or branches within 10 feet of an overhead power line.
Additional preparation and safety tips to consider before and during a storm or outage are available on our Storm Center page.
Power outages, downed lines, and generator misuse can create serious risks during and after severe weather. To learn more about keeping loved ones safe, visit SafeElectricity.org.
Article and headline image courtesy of SafeElectricity.org with modifications by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative.