Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 23 through the 29th with the statewide Tornado Drill at 9:50 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2008.

Residents interested in learning which weather conditions and cloud formations trigger tornadic activity can attend the free Skywarn Tornado Spotter's Program scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2008, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Huron County Jobs and Family Services Building, Shady Lane Drive, Norwalk.

Severe Hazardous Weather Terms

Severe Weather Warning - Issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) local offices indicating that a particular weather hazard is either imminent or occurring. A warning indicates the need to take action to protect life and property. Typical warnings include:

• Tornado Warning
• Severe Thunderstorm Warning
• Flash Flood/Flood Warning
• Excessive Heat Warning

Severe Weather Watch - Issued by the NWS, indicating that conditions are favorable for the development of a particular severe weather event. A watch is normally issued for several hours and indicates a need for planning, preparation and an increased awareness of changing weather conditions. Typical watches include:

• Tornado Watch
• Severe Thunderstorm Watch
• Flood Watch

Flash Flood - A flood that can occur very rapidly. Flash floods occur as the result of very heavy rainfall in a short period of time, generally over a relatively small area.

Flood - The condition that occurs when water overflows the natural or artificial confines of a stream or body of water, or accumulates by drainage over low lying areas.

Cold Air Funnels - Weak funnel cloud protuberance from cumuliform clouds that remain aloft. They form in cold unstable air masses and are not usually associated with thunderstorms or severe weather.

Funnel Cloud - Violently rotating column of air that is not in contract with the ground. A tornado passes through the funnel cloud stage during its development and dissipation.

Tornado - Violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground, descending from the base of a severe thunderstorm. Usually funnel shaped, with a narrow end nearest the ground.

Lightning - Generally, any and all of the various forms of electrical discharge produced by thunderstorms.

Thunderstorm - A local storm produced by a cumulonimbus cloud, and accompanied by lightning and thunder, usually with strong wind gusts, heavy rain and sometimes hail.

Severe Thunderstorm - A thunderstorm producing a tornado, damaging winds of 58 m.p.h. or higher, and/or hail 3/4" in diameter or larger.

Squall Line - Any line or narrow band of thunderstorms. These lines may be of considerable length, extending across multiple states.

Downburst - Intense gust of wind or downdraft that exits the base of a thunderstorm and spreads out horizontally at the earth's surface as a strong wind which often causes damage.

Gust Front - The leading edge of a mass of cool, gusty air that flows from the base of a thunderstorm and spreads along the ground in advance of the thunderstorm.

Straight Line Winds - Thunderstorm winds that may produce damage which typically exhibits a lack of a rotational damage pattern. Straight line winds are most often produced by a thunderstorm gust front, origination from a downburst.

Tornado Facts and Safety Tips

As the severe weather season approaches, take some time during Severe Weather Safety Awareness Week to make a safety plan for your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Planning ahead will lower the chance of injury or death in the event severe weather strikess.

Tornadoes develop from severe thunderstorms. They are usually preceded by very heavy rainj and/or large hail. A thunderstorm accompanied by hail indicates that the storm has large amounts of energy and may be severe. In general, the larger the hailstones, the more potential there is for damaging winds and/or tornadoes.

The most violent tornadoes are capable of temendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more. Damage paths can exceed one mile wide and 50 miles long.

Tornadoes generally move from southwest to northeast, but have also been recorded traveling in any direction. The forward speed of a tornado varies from 30 mph to 70 mph.

Tornadoes can occur during any month of the year, however, the most prevalent time of the year that tornadoes occur in Ohio is April through July.

Tornadoes usually occur between 2 and 10 p.m., but have been known to occur at any hour.

Most tornadoes move in the direction of southwest to northeast, and generally occur in the afternoon on a hot day.

Fujita Tornado Scale

F-0: 40-72 mph, Some damage to chimneys; branches broken off treees; sign boards damaged

F-1: 73-112 mph, Peels surface off roofs; mobile homes pushed off foundation or overturned; moving autos blown from road

F-2: 113-157 mph, Roofs torn off frame houses; mobile homes demolished; large trees snapped or uprooted; light objects missile generated; cars lifted off of ground

F-3: 158-206 mph, Roofs and walls torn from well constructed houses; most trees uprooted; heavy vehicles lifted and thrown

F-4: 207-260 mph, Well-constructed walls leveled; vehicles thrown; large missiles generated

F-5: 261(+) mphStrong framed homes lifted off foundation and swept away; large objects easily projected more than 100 meters; trees debarked; incredible phenomena may occur

Weak Tornadoes (F0/F1) - account for 70% of all tornadoes; cause less than 5% of tornado deaths; lifetime is usually 1 to 10(=) minutes; wind speeds are less than 113 mph.

Strong Tornadoes (F2/F3) - account for 29% of all tornadoes; cause nearly 30% of all tornado deaths; may last 20 minutes or longer; wind speeds are 113 to 206 mph.

Violent Tornadoes (F4/F5) - account for only 1% of all tornadoes; cause 70% of all tornado deaths; may last for one hour or more; wind speeds are greater than 206 mph.

Knowing the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning can save lives:

A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for the formation of a tornado.

A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted in the area and citizens should take cover immediately.

Tornado Safety Tips

When practicing a tornado drill or sheltering during a warning remember to DUCK!.....D - Go DOWN to the lowest level, U - Get UNDER something, C - COVER your head, K - KEEP in shelter until the storm has passed.

Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter in a building with a strong foundation. If shelter is not available, lie in ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the unit.

Take responsibility for your safety and be prepared now before a watch or warning is issued. Meet with household members to create a plan for how to respond to tornado watches and warnings. Conduct regular tornado drills and learn how to turn off the water, gas and electricity.

Monitor the NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts. NOAA broadcasts warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information, 24 hours a day. NOAA Weather Radio is not just for emergencies but is a round-the-clock source of weather reports and information to help prepare for the day ahead. Broadcasts are found in the public service band at frequency 162.400 (MHz). You can purchase a NOAA weather radio at electronic or department stores.

If a tornado should strike, keep track of the storm by listening to a radio station that broadcasts for the Emergency Alert System. In Huron County, those stations designated as Emergency Alert System stations are WLKR, Norwalk-Milan, 95.3FM, and WOHF, Bellevue, 92.1 FM.

If at home:

Go at once to the basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of the building. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a smaller inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.

Get away from the windows.

Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they tend to attract debris.

Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.

Use arms to protect head and neck.

If in a mobile home, get out and find shelter elsewhere.

If at work or school:

Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level.

Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping malls.

Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.

Use arms to protect head and neck.

If outdoors:

If possible, get inside a building. Do not take shelter under highway overpasses and bridges - weaker structures could be destroyed from the high winds and dangerous flying debris.

If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

Use your arms to protect head and neck.

Never try to out-drive a tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air.

Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building.

If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

Thunderstorm/Lightning Facts and Safety Tips

Thunderstorm/Lightning Facts

Summertime is the peak season for one of the nation's deadliest weather phenomena - lightning. According to the National Weather Service, during the past 30 years, approximately 67 people in the United States are killed by lightning each year, which is more than the average number of people killed annually by tornadoes or hurricanes.

Lightning Safety Awareness: Education is Key

Few people really understand the dangers of lightning. Many do not act promptly to protect themselves because they don't understand all of the dangers associated with thunderstorms and lightning. People need to become aware of the behavior that can put them at risk of being struck and know what they can do to reduce that risk.

Lightning Discharge: Stay Out of Its Path

During a thunderstorm, each flash of cloud-to-ground lightning is a potential killer. The determining factor on whether a particular flash could be deadly depends on whether a person is in the path of the lightning discharge. In addition to the visible flash that travels through the air, the current associated with the lightning discharge travels along the ground.

An Approaching Thunderstorm: When to Seek Shelter

Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the rain area in a thunderstorm, which is about the distance one can hear thunder. To be safe, remember: If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance. Seek shelter immediately! If the sky looks threatening, take shelter before hearing thunder.

The 30-30 Rule

Use the 30-30 rule where there is good visibility and nothing is obstructing your view of the thunderstorm. When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If that time is 30 seconds or less, the thunderstorm is within six miles and is dangerous. Seek shelter immediately. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before leaving shelter.

Things to Avoid While Sheltering Indoors

People should stay away from windows and doors and avoid contact with anything that conducts electricity, which include using telephones (corded and cordless) during storms. Cellular telephones are the safest to use during thunderstorms. Do not shower, bathe or wash dishes during thunderstorms. Water is an electrical conductor; you should avoid contact with plumbing.

Helping a Lightning Strike Victim - If a person is struck by lightning, medical care is usually needed immediately to save the person's life. Cardiac arrest and irregularities, burns and nerve damage are typical life-threatening injuries when a person is struck. Knowing first aid measures, which include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), can help lightning-strike victims survive. American Red Cross chapters and local fire departments often offer first aid and CPR classes.

Shelter from Thunder and Lightning Storms Safe Shelter from Storms

A house or other substantial building offers the best protection from lightning. For a shelter to provide adequate protection from lightning, it must contain a mechanism for conducting the electrical current from the point of contact to the ground. These mechanisms may be on the outside of the structure, or contained within the walls of the structure, or a combination of the two. On the outside, lightning can travel along the outer shell of the building or follow metal gutters and downspouts to the ground. Inside, lightning can follow conductors such as electrical wiring, plumbing and telephone lines to the ground.

Unsafe Sheltering

Unless specifically designed to be lightning safe, small structures do little, if anything to protect people from lightning. Many small, open shelters on golf courses, parks and athletic fields are designed to protect people from rain and sun, but not lightning. A shelter that does not contain plumbing or wiring throughout, or some other mechanism for grounding from the roof to the ground is not safe. Small wooden, vinyl or metal sheds offer little or no protection from lightning and should be avoided during thunderstorms.

Stay Safe While Inside

Corded telephone use is the leading cause of indoor lightning injuries in the United States. Lightning can travel long distances on phone and electrical wires, particularly in rural areas. If you must use a phone during a storm, a cellular phone is safest. Stay away from windows and doors, as these can provide the path for a direct strike. Basements are generally safe places to go during thunderstorms, but avoid contact with concrete walls that may contain metal reinforcing bars. Also, avoid washers and dryers because they have contacts with plumbing and electrical systems and contain an electrical path to the outside through the dryer vent.

Protect Your Pets

Outside dog houses are not lightning-safe. Dogs that are chained to trees or wire runners can easily fall victim to lightning strikes. You may want to consider bringing your pets inside the home or garage during thunderstorms.

Protect Personal Property

Lightning generates electrical surges that can damage electronic equipment some distance from the actual strike. Typical surge protectors WILL NOT protect equipment from a lightning strike. Before a thunderstorm threatens, unplug any unnecessary appliances and electronic equipment from conductors.

For more information on lightning safety and education, visit the National Weather Service Web site at http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov, and the Lightning Protection Institute Web site at http://www.lightning.org.

Flood Facts and Safety Tips

National Flood Safety Week is March 17-21, 2008

Flooding is Ohio's number one natural disaster occurrence. Floods and flash floods can happen during any season, at any time. In fact, in June of 2006, Huron County was granted federal disaster declarations for severe flooding.

Most communities in the United States can experience some kind of flooding after spring rains, heavy thunderstorms or winter snow thaws. Floods can be slow or fast-rising, but generally develop over a period of days. Flash floods usually result from intense storms dropping large amounts of rain within a brief period. Flash flooding can occur with little or no warning and can reach its peak in only a few minutes.

Emergency Information

Flood waters can be extremely dangerous. The force of six inches of swiftly moving water can knock an adult person off his or her feet. The best protection during a flood is to leave the area and seek shelter on higher ground.

Flash flood waters move very quickly and can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and obliterate bridges. Walls of water can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet and generally are accompanied by a deadly cargo of debris. The best response to any signs of flash flooding is to move immediately and quickly to higher ground.

Just two feet of moving water can float and carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks. You can protect yourself best by being prepared and having time to act.

Before a Flood

Check with your local floodplain administrator to determine if you live in a flood-prone area or visit the FEMA Flood Map Store at http://www.fema.gov/nfip/fmapinfo.shtm to review the flood map for your property online.

Consider installing check valves in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains.

Plan and practice an evacuation route.

Have disaster supplies on hand.

Develop an emergency communication plan.

Make sure all family members know how to respond in case of a flood.

During a Flood Watch

Listen to a radio or television for the latest storm information. Be prepared to evacuate.

Fill bathtub, sinks and jugs with clean water in case water becomes contaminated.

Move valuable household possessions to upper floors or to safe grounds if time permits.

7 If you are instructed by local authorities, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve.

During a Flood Warning

Evacuate areas that are subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc.

If driving, be aware that the road bed may not be intact under flood waters. Turn around and go another way.

NEVER drive through flooded roads or low water crossings. If your vehicle stalls, leave it and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising waters may engulf the vehicle and sweep it away.

If camping, choose camp sites along waterways with care. Remember that storms that are miles away could bring raging water your way.

If indoors, turn on a battery-powered radio or NOAA Weather Radio to get the latest emergency information. If your area is advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Listen to a battery powered radio for instructions. Follow recommended evacuation routes. Shortcuts may be blocked.

After a Flood

Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede. Listen to a radio or television and do not return home until authorities indicate it is safe.

Remember to help those who may require special assistance: infants, young children, the elderly and people with disabilities.

Before entering a flood-damaged building, check the foundation for cracks and inspect porch roofs and overhangs to be sure they are adequately supported. Ask a building inspector to check the house before you go inside.

Be alert for gas leaks. Do not strike a match or use open flame when entering a building unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area ventilated.

Do not use appliances/motors that were flooded unless they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried.

Don't let children drink or put toys in flood waters. Don't allow your children to play or swim in flood waters. If your child shows any signs or symptoms of illness after being in flood waters such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, contact your physician as soon as possible.

If a person receives a cut, burn or puncture wound, make sure it does not come in contact with flood waters. Flood water may contain various bacteria, viruses and other infectious organisms that may cause disease. Flood water may also contain fecal material from overflowing sewage systems. If you are concerned about an injury, check with your physician to see if a tetanus booster is necessary.

Cleanup

Mold is a likely problem in flooded homes. It is important to remove all water and fix any leaks before cleaning. Clean hard surfaces with a solution of bleach and water; make sure to ventilate the area when using chlorine bleach. Wear a filter mask and gloves to avoid contact with the mold. Let the bleach and water sit for 15 minutes and then dry the area thoroughly. Wet, porous materials, such as carpeting, wallboard, insulation, wallpaper and furniture should be discarded because they remain a source of mold growth.

Use fans and dehumidifiers to air and dry out the home. If possible, open doors and windows.

Food Safety

Food that comes in contact with flood water can also pose a serious health risk. Throw away any product if there is any doubt about its safety. Throw away home-canned goods if the tops have been exposed to flooding. Food in paper containers, cloth or cardboard packaging that has been exposed to flood water should also be discarded, along with soft drinks and condiments using capped containers.

Store-bought canned goods may be saved if they are disinfected prior to opening. Label the can with a waterproof marker, remove the paper label and wash the can thoroughly in hot, soapy water. Rinse well; after washing and rinsing, disinfect can by soaking it for five minutes in a chlorine solution using one tablespoon of bleach (labeled 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite) for each gallon of cool water.

Water Safety

If you have a private well, run cold water for about 30 minutes to allow the well to recharge naturally. Do not save the water. Have the well disinfected and tested before drinking or using for cooking. If you must use tap water, boil it vigorously for at least one minute. If you cannot boil it, add 16 drops of bleach to each gallon of water. Mix thoroughly and allow to stand for 30 minutes. This method should be used only with water that is clean in appearance and free of odors.

Flood Terminology

Flood – A condition that occurs when water overflows the natural or artificial confines of a stream or body of water, or accumulates by drainage over low-lying areas.

General River Flooding – follows heavy rain, snow melt or their combination. While river flooding typically occurs slowly, allowing more time to take protective measures, extreme flash flooding or a breakup of an ice jam along a river can produce more rapid river rises.

Urban and Small Stream Floods – occurs when heavy rain falls, resulting in flooded streets, underpasses or drainage ditches in urban areas, and creeks in rural areas. Not usually life-threatening on its own, but can be, if motorists drive through a flooded roadway or children play near a storm drain or drainage ditch.

Flash Floods – Rapid and life-threatening floods from heavy rains occurring in a short period of time, usually in hilly or mountainous areas, or produced by the failure of a dam.

Flood/Flash Flood Watch – Usually issued for several hours indicating that conditions are favorable for possible flooding or flash flooding.

Flood/Flash Flood Warning – Issued when flooding or flash flooding is imminent or occurring. This indicates a need to take protective measures.

Excessive Heat

Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities. Get plenty of rest to allow your natural "cooling system" to work. If you must do strenuous work, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning, before 7 a.m.

Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin's ability to cool itself. The sun will also heat the inner core of your body, resulting in dehydration. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high sun protection factor rating.

Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Even in the warmest weather, staying indoors, out of sunshine, is safer than long periods of exposure to the sun.

Dress appropriately. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing that will cover as much skin as possible. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps maintain normal body temperature. Cover as much skin as possible to avoid sunburn and over-warming effects of sunlight on your body.

Drink plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty. Injury and death can occur from dehydration, which can happen quickly and unnoticed. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Your body needs water to keep cool.

NEVER leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140 degrees within minutes. Exposure to such high temperatures can kill in minutes.

Health and Safety Concerns

Some medications affect the body's ability to deal with excessive heat. People should be aware of the possible side effects of their medications and avoid high-heat situations. Pet owners should make sure animals, especially those outside, have plenty of water and a place to get out of the sun and cool down. Studies show people suffer heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion when the body's temperature control system is overloaded. Sweating is the body's natural coolant. In some situations, especially during periods of high humidity, sweating alone will not provide an adequate release of body heat. Summer activities should be balanced with measures to help the body stay cool. Hot weather demands increased fluid intake. Drinking plenty of cool (not cold) fluids is the key to avoiding heat problems. Active people should drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. Do not take salt tablets without a doctor's advice; avoid fluids that contain alcohol or caffeine. They can add to dehydration and increase the effects of heat illness.

Plan outdoor activities for either the early morning or late evening, when the sun is less direct. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against sunburn. Move to the shade or into an air-conditioned building at the first signs of heat illness. Remember, heat-related symptoms can come on quickly.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or fainting. People experiencing these symptoms should be moved to a cool, shady or air-conditioned area, and provided cool, nonalcoholic beverages.

Heat stroke is a potentially life-threatening condition, characterized by a body temperature of 103 degrees or more; red, hot and dry skin with no sweat; rapid pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; may be unconscious; and skin color may be gray.

Heat stroke victims need immediate medical assistance. Before help arrives, begin cooling the victim with any means possible, such as spray from a garden hose or by placing the person in a cool tub of water.

Summer is also the time for good Samaritans. Citizens should periodically check on their neighbors - especially if they are older or are disabled. They are of higher risk to suffer heat-related illnesses

Power Outages - Health and Safety Concerns

What should people do if a power outage lasts longer than two days? Plan ahead. Be prepared. When making a disaster preparedness plan and when preparing disaster kits, have enough supplies, food and bottled water/drinks to sustain everyone in the household for at least 72 hours. Consider buying a gasoline-powered generator. Never run a generator in an enclosed area such as a garage or basement. People could die of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Have one or more coolers on hand - inexpensive, foam coolers can do an excellent job. Surround your food with ice in a cooler to ensure the food will stay cold. Shelf-stable foods such as canned goods and powdered or boxed milk can be eaten cold or heated on the grill. A digital, quick response meat thermometer can check the internal temperature of food for safety.

Do NOT open the refrigerator or freezer unnecessarily. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold enough for a couple of hours. A half-full freezer will hold up for up to 24 hours, a full freezer, up to 48 hours.

If it looks like the power outage will be longer than two to four hours, pack refrigerated milk, dairy products, meats, fish, poultry, eggs and leftovers in your cooler and surround with ice. If it looks like the power outage will be even longer, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items.

If the power is still not on at bedtime pack your perishables into your cooler, if you haven't already done so, and put in as much ice as you can. Also, when you go to bed, leave a bedroom light switched on. That way, if the power comes back on, the light may wake you so you can check the condition of your food in the freezer. If your freezer food still has ice crystals on them, they can be refrozen.

If the power goes out while you're at work or out of the house, and it has been more than a few hours before you return home try to determine how long the power has been out. Check the internal temperature of the food in your refrigerator with your quick-response thermometer. A liquid such as milk or juice is easy to check. Spot-check other items like steaks or leftovers. If the internal temperature of the food is about 40 degrees, it is best to throw it out. If the food in the freezer is not above 40 degrees and there are still ice crystals, you can refreeze.

Making a Disaster Plan

The best defense when faced with severe weather incidents is preparedness. Every household and business should have a disaster preparedness plan for every possible incident or emergency that could occur. The following tips will help prepare you for inclement weather:

Have a family meeting. Involve everyone in the household in the preparation of a disaster plan. Discuss the types of disasters that can affect your family. (Ohio's typical disasters include flooding, thunder and lightning storms, tornadoes, winter storms, extreme heat and fire.) Ensure that everyone knows the difference between weather watches and warnings. Write down solutions for each kind of emergency/disaster.

Develop a family escape and/or shelter plan. Draw an overhead floor plan view of your home. Determine two escape routes per room. Teach children how to open windows and screens. Pick a meeting place away from the home (such as a large tree or neighbor's yard) in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire. Determine where to shelter during a tornado (in a basement, under the stairs, or a centralized room away from windows).

Practice your plan. Even the best plan is ineffective unless it has been practiced. Conduct fire drills. Activate smoke detectors when the household is asleep. (Remember to change smoke alarm batteries at least every six months.) Conduct tornado drills. Practice how to protect yourself and others during severe storms.

Organize your disaster supply kit. No matter the incident, your kit should have enough supplies to sustain every member of your household for three days. Commercially prepared disaster kits are available at select discount, hardware and military surplus stores or can be purchased via the Internet.

Emergency Preparedness Kit

No matter the incident, your kit should have enough supplies to sustain every member of your household for three days. Assemble supplies you might need to have in your safe-room or for an evacuation. Store them in an easy to carry container with a lid. Be sure to include:

A supply of water for three days (one gallon per person per day). Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Identify the storage date and replace every six months.

A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener.

A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.

Blankets or sleeping bags

A first aid kit and prescription medications

Hygiene items

Bottled water and juices

A battery powered radio and plenty of extra batteries.

Credit cards and cash

Flashlight

Important family documents and list of important family information (phone numbers, copies of family documents, the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers, etc.

Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.

Rethink your supply kit at least once a year. Replace batteries, food and water every six months

Emergency Preparedness Kit for Vehicles

Vehicle emergency preparedness kits are not intended for everyday use. They're only needed during times of emergencies. Much like insurance, an emergency preparedness kit is something you should have, but hope you'll never need to use. The following are items for your vehicle emergency kit (some items specified for winter months). Store your preparedness kit items in a large plastic tub and a lid that secures.

At least two blankets or a sleeping bag

Flashlight (preferably water and shock-proof), battery powered radio and spare batteries

Extra clothing – particularly socks, hats, boots and mittens/gloves

Bottled water and nonperishable high-energy foods (granola bars, raisins, nuts, hard candies, peanut butter or cheese crackers)

Metal coffee cans for storing small items and to melt snow for drinking if bottled water is frozen

Emergency flares

Jumper cables

Spare tire/tire iron/jack

First-aid kit and necessary bandages/medications

Sand or non-clumping cat litter for tire traction, if vehicle gets stuck in mud, ice or snow

A cell phone and extra cell phone battery or charger

Tow rope or chain

Plastic bags for sanitation

Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)

Brightly colored cloth to use as a signal

For more information on severe weather, visit Ohio EMA's website at www.ema.ohio.gov/weather.htm or Huron County EMA's website at www.huroncountyema.com or call the Huron County Emergency Management Agency at 419-663-5772.

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