Flash Floods
When a flash flood is possible in your area, you can expect to usually see a warning. If you search on the internet for “weather” followed by your town and state, a flash flood warning will come up if there is one issued. However, things can change very quickly when it comes to rain and flooding, and your specific location may be more dangerous than others, so if you suspect that a flash flood is coming, act quickly.
Weather.gov says to:
- Get out of areas subject to flooding like dips and low spots, canyons, etc.
- Avoid already flooded areas. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream where the water is above your knees.
- If driving, know the depth of water in a dip before crossing. The roadbed may not be intact under the water.
- If the vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately; seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes can cause a tremendous amount of damage. Weather.gov has some good advice on how to keep yourself and your family safe. First, they say to evacuate when necessary. As much as evacuation is emotionally difficult, it may save your life or the life of those you love. They also suggest:
- Secure your home: Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows
- Stay tuned in: Check the websites of your local National Weather Service office and local government/emergency management office.
- Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if ordered!
If not ordered to evacuate, Weather.gov suggests:
- Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can.
- Stay away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
- If the eye of the storm passes over your area, there will be a short period of calm, but on the other side of the eye, the wind speed rapidly increases to hurricane force winds coming from the opposite direction.
Thunderstorms
While perhaps less scary and more common than a hurricane, it’s important to know what to do when it comes to thunderstorms too. Weather.gov suggests. . .
- Get inside a home, large building, or an all-metal (not convertible) automobile.
- Do not stand underneath a natural lightning rod such as a tall, isolated tree or a telephone pole.
- Avoid standing above the surrounding landscape; for example, do not stand on a hilltop. Lightening will often strike the tallest thing around.
- Get away from open water, metal equipment, and small metal vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and golf carts.
- Avoid wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes and rails; put down golf clubs.
- Finally, if you are caught out in a level field or in the open, away from shelter, and you feel your hair stand on end, lightning may be about to strike you. Drop to your knees and bend forward, putting your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground.
Heat Waves
- Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the
- coolest time of the day.
- Dress for summer. Lightweight, light colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
- Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic fluids.
- Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
For more information on best practices for the heat, click here: Heat Safety Tips
Air Quality Alerts
Follow these tips from Weather.gov when there is an air quality alert:
- Stay informed. Air quality can change, and you’ll want to know up-to-date information!
- Stay inside, if possible, particularly if you have respiratory concerns or other health problems, are a senior or child.
- Do not burn debris or other items during an air quality alert.
- If you need to be outside, wear a N95 mask to reduce your exposure to pollutants.
For more information, go to Weather.gov