(Cleveland)- It’s Severe Weather Awareness Week, Bryce Barrett, Public Information Officer for White County Public Safety provided this information:
Severe Weather Week Day 2: Thunderstorm Safety – Know the difference
Thunderstorm Watch – a thunderstorm is possible in your area
Thunderstorm Warning – a thunderstorm is present, take precaution
The best thing to do is to have a plan of action in place before threatening weather develops. Know the difference between a watch and a warning. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop, but there is not an imminent threat. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means a severe thunderstorm has been detected and an imminent threat to life and property has developed.
If severe weather is imminent, and you are inside, move to a shelter such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of the building. It’s best to put as many walls between you and the outside as possible. Remember, even straight-line winds from a severe thunderstorm can cause damage equal in magnitude to a tornado.
STAY SAFE DURING THE STORM
- When thunder roars, go indoors! Move from outdoors into a building or car with a roof.
- Pay attention to alerts and warnings.
- Avoid using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet.
- Avoid running water.
- Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Do not drive through flooded roadways. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
STAY SAFE AFTER THE STORM
- Pay attention to authorities and weather forecasts for information on whether it is safe to go outside and instructions regarding potential flash flooding.
- Watch for fallen power lines and trees on the roadways. Report them immediately to White County Dispatch (706-865-0911).
