Ohio’s Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 19 – 25, 2017. As part of the week, the City of Dublin, Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security will participate in the Statewide Tornado Drill on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 9:50 a.m. The sirens will be activated one time for three minutes – a longer tone than in the regular Wednesday noon tests. The test tone will be the same “tornado warning” tone which would be used in an actual tornado warning.
Spring Severe Weather
With the spring season comes the possibility of flooding, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, and associated hazards such as hail, high winds, lighting strikes, and power outages. Planning ahead, knowing how to communicate, organizing a disaster kit and practicing safety drills are key to being able to handle such fast-developing spring storms and will help minimize injury and property damage.
What to do before severe weather strikes:
- Keep a disaster kit in your home in case of emergencies (battery powered weather radio, flashlight, blankets, cell phone, batteries, etc.)
- Sign up for the Dublin Emergency Calling System, which alerts residents and businesses in times of crisis.
- When it looks like severe weather is approaching, monitor your local radio or television for current weather information and further instructions.
- Read additional emergency preparedness tips here.
What to do when severe weather strikes:
Indoors:
- Stay away from windows.
- Use flashlights if the power goes out. Have a battery-powered NOAA weather radio on hand to monitor weather reports.
- Discontinue use of landline phones and electrical equipment. You may want to unplug appliances and computers.
- Avoid taking a shower or bath. If lightning strikes your house it may send a current of electricity across metal plumbing throughout the house.
Outdoors:
- Stay low. If possible, find shelter in a building.
- Keep away from trees, tall objects, metal objects and water.
- Boaters and swimmers should get to land as soon as possible.
While driving:
- Reduce your speed.
- Pull off to the shoulder of the road. Be sure you’re away from tall objects, such as trees, which could fall due to wind or lightning. Do not clog highway underpasses.
- Turn on your emergency flashers, and remain in the car until the storm passes.
- Do not touch any metal objects in the car.
- Avoid driving on roads covered by water.
Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security also provides additional information about the risks facing Franklin County at www.fcemhs.org. The site offers key definitions, such as the difference between storm watches and storm warnings. A watch indicates conditions are favorable, while a warning means the conditions have been spotted or are possible.
