Red Cross Urges Preparedness During Missouri Severe Weather Awareness Week
In an effort the save lives, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter is encouraging Missourians to get prepared for severe weather this spring. The National Weather Service and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency have declared March 8 – 12 as Severe Weather Awareness Week. Knowing what to do and where to go during severe weather can be the difference between life and death.
A good time to practice your severe weather plan is during the Missouri Severe Weather Drill, on Thursday, March 11 at 1:30 p.m.
Prepare a Home Tornado Plan
Pick a place where your family can gather if a tornado is headed your way. It can be a basement or a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to get to the lowest floor, so pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.
If you are caught outside, lie flat in a low lying area and cover your head.
Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit
Include a first aid kit and any essential medications along with items for infants, the elderly or disabled. You also need canned food, a can opener, and at least three gallons of water per person. Include protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags, a battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
When a Thunderstorm Approaches
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts.
Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles.
Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. (Leaving electric lights on, however, does not increase the chances of your home being struck by lightning.)
Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.
Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job.
Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.
Protecting Yourself Outside During a Thunderstorm
Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
Be a very small target! Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.
Do not lie flat on the ground–this will make you a larger target.
If Someone is Struck by Lightning
People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number.
The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both places. Being struck by lightning can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.
Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look and care for other possible injuries. Learn first aid and CPR by taking a Red Cross first aid and CPR course. Call the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 for class schedules and fees.
