Safety at Steigerwaldt: Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness
April 7-11 is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. Spring has arrived and soon so will severe weather. Severe weather can include thunderstorms, damaging winds, hail, and flooding. This season, there have already been a few tornado outbreaks in the Midwest, and the south has been experiencing some significant flooding. Wisconsin averages around 23 tornadoes each year. Being aware and prepared for tornadoes, floods, and severe storms will keep you safe.
Please review the following items to ensure you are as prepared as possible.
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Tornado watch vs tornado warning
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Watch – conditions are favorable, be prepared
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Warning – a tornado has been spotted, take action
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Know where designated tornado shelter locations are in all offices and your home.
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The safest place is the interior part of a basement. If there is no basement, go to an inside room, without windows, on the lowest floor. This could be a center hallway, bathroom, or closet.
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Move away from windows.
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For added protection, get under something sturdy such as a heavy table or workbench. If possible, cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag, or mattress, and protect your head with anything available–even your hands.
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If you are driving or outdoors:
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Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle. Reroute, if possible.
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If a tornado is spotted, stop and get out.
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Avoid areas with many trees.
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Avoid vehicles.
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Lie down flat in a gully, ditch, or low spot.
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Protect your head .
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Set up weather alerts for your phones
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I use Nixle to get weather alerts on my phone. Just text your zip code to 888777. You can do it for multiple zip codes too. http://www.nixle.com/
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There is also WEAS (Wireless Emergency Alerts) for your phone.
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Check forecasts daily. Do not go out or into risky areas if severe weather is imminent.
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Make sure you have a properly stocked first aid kit available to you (desk, home, vehicle, work vehicle).
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