Severe Weather Preparedness Week | March 3-9
Tornadoes and severe storms continue to be a threat to Ohioans during the spring and summer. When severe weather strikes, you may have only seconds to seek safe shelter. Knowing what to do can greatly increase your safety.
- Put as many walls and floors as possible between you and the tornado
- A basement is one of the best places to go, but if there is no basement, go to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom or closet
- Cover yourself with a blanket or mattress to protect yourself from possible flying debris
- Stay away from exterior walls or glass enclosed places and windows
- Make yourself as small as possible and remember to protect your head
- Keep a disaster kit in your home in case of emergencies (battery powered weather radio, flashlight, blankets, cell phone, batteries, etc.)
- 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.
A statewide tornado drill will be held at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, March 6. Dublin operates 26 outdoor warning sirens within the City and Washington Township. These sirens complement the Franklin County Outdoor Siren Warning System, which is one of the largest systems in Ohio and the U.S. These outdoor warning sirens are referred to as the Dublin Emergency Warning System.
The Dublin Emergency Warning System is sounded whenever the National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning that impacts the Dublin area or whenever an on-duty police or fire official has spotted a tornado in the Dublin area. The sirens will activate for three minutes followed by silence for seven minutes. This activation cycle will continue until the weather warning is canceled.
What to do before severe weather strikes
Sign up for the Dublin Emergency Calling System. The Dublin Emergency Calling System automatically alerts residents and businesses in times of crisis, such as severe weather, hazardous materials spill, natural disaster, child abduction or homeland security threat. While most residents and businesses in Dublin are already in the City’s system, signing up now confirms that you will be notified in case of emergency.
For more information contact Tom Hirschy, emergency management coordinator, 614.410.4808 or thirschy@dublin.oh.us.
