Ottawa County, MI (WGHN) – Ottawa County Emergency Management encourages residents to take a few simple steps now to stay prepared before the next storm arrives.
Prepare Your Home and Family
Severe weather preparation does not need to be complicated. A few basic actions can make a significant difference:
• Identify a safe place in your home where you can shelter during severe storms. Basements are best. If a basement is not available, use an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows.
• Keep a basic emergency kit that includes flashlights, batteries, water, nonperishable food, and a phone charger.
• Charge mobile devices before storms arrive in case power outages occur.
• Secure outdoor furniture or loose items that could become hazardous in strong winds.
• Discuss a simple plan with family members so everyone knows where to go during severe weather.
Understand Watches and Warnings
Knowing the difference between a watch and a warning can help you react quickly during severe weather.
• Watch: Conditions are favorable for severe weather such as thunderstorms or tornadoes. This is the time to stay alert and be prepared to take action.
• Warning: Severe weather has been detected or is occurring. Take shelter immediately and follow safety guidance.
Warnings are issued when storms are actively impacting an area or when radar indicates a tornado may be forming.
Outdoor Warning Sirens
Outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert people who are outside that dangerous weather is approaching or occurring. If you hear a siren, you should move indoors immediately and seek additional information about the situation.
Sirens are not intended to be heard indoors, and they should not be relied upon as your only method of receiving severe weather alerts. Residents should always have multiple ways to receive warnings.
Use Reliable Ways to Receive Weather Warnings
One of the most important preparedness steps is having a dependable way to receive warnings, especially overnight.
A NOAA Weather Radio is one of the most reliable tools for this purpose. These radios broadcast alerts directly from the National Weather Service and sound an alarm when severe weather warnings are issued for your area.
Weather radios are widely available at many retailers, including:
• Major online retailers such as Amazon
• Outdoor and sporting goods stores
• Electronics stores such as Best Buy
• Large retailers such as Walmart, Meijer, and Target
Look for models labeled NOAA Weather Radio with alert capability, which automatically activate when warnings are issued.
Learn More About Severe Weather Preparedness
Additional information about preparing for severe weather is available at:
https://www.ready.gov/severe-weather
Taking time to prepare today can help protect you and your family when severe weather occurs.
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