How to prepare for high winds and possible tornadoes

The National Weather Service offers advice for high winds and tornadoes in the forecast:

Create a Communications Plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. Ready.gov provides a template for creating a plan and a fillable family communications plan.
Make a shelter plan: “If you live in a mobile home or home without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get too quickly, such as a church or family member. Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.”

Red Cross tornado preparedness video, https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/tornado.html

If you are driving, go to “a nearby sturdy building, and take shelter inside. Do not park or seek shelter under a freeway or overpass (or trees),” the American Red Cross advises.
Charge electronic devices and make copies of important financial documents (and save to the cloud, if possible). Prepare for power outages. “For safety, crews cannot perform elevated work in bucket trucks when winds reach 30 mph or higher, which may slow restoration in some areas,” Duke Energy cautioned. Have a battery-powered or hand crank radio.

State emergency management officials recommend gathering supplies in advance of any weather crisis including:

Water – 1 gallon per person per day for 3 to 7 days
Food – non-perishable and canned food supply for 3 to 7 days
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and National oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio with extra batteries
Cell phone with charger
First aid kit and first aid book
Flashlight and extra batteries
Manual can opener for food
Wrench or pliers to turn off water
Blanket or sleeping bag – 1 per person
Prescription medications and glasses
Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes
Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine supplies
Extra house and car keys
Important documents – insurance policies, copy of driver’s license, Social Security card, bank account records
Fire extinguisher
Cash and change
Books, games or cards

Twenty-one coastal counties have established evacuation zones in advance of a crisis. Search your address to know your evacuation route.

For iPhone users:

If you’re using iOS 15.4 or later:

Open the Settings app. Tap Notifications. Scroll down to Emergency Alerts, Public Safety and Test Alerts. Turn alerts on.

If you’re using iOS 15.3 or earlier:

Open the Phone App and tap Keypad. Enter *5005*25371# and tap the Call button. You will receive an alert that says “Test alerts enabled.”

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