Severe Weather Drill and Preparedness
Scott Freitag
St. Charles Fire Department
As the Emergency Management Agency for the City of St. Charles, the St. Charles Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind residents what to do in case of severe weather. Should severe weather strike our area, pay close attention to local television and radio broadcasts, as well as emergency warning sirens. Key terms to listen for and remember are:
Tornado Watch-conditions are favorable for a tornado, watch the sky
Tornado Warning-seek shelter immediately
If you are at home, school, or work seek shelter in an interior room that does not have windows, or go to the lowest possible floor. For those at school or work, gymnasiums, cafeterias or any other large interior spaces are not considered a good place for shelter because of the possibility of a roof collapse. Persons living in mobile homes should leave immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building or ditch. If in a vehicle, seek shelter in a nearby building or ditch, DO NOT try to out run the tornado. Should you be outside and not near shelter, cover your head with your arms, coat, or a blanket to protect yourself from air borne debris.
Remember, overpasses are not a safe place to seek shelter in a tornado. Winds are intensified under overpasses creating a wind tunnel effect. Additionally, these areas tend to collect debris that could cause serious injury or death.
Spring brings with it numerous severe weather situations that do not include tornadic activity. Heavy rains, lightning and straight line winds have their own inherent dangers. During heavy rains or flooding, DO NOT attempt to cross flooded roadways, even when they do not appear to be very deep. Fast moving water can quickly sweep a car or truck down stream. If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm that is producing lightning, seek shelter. In the event that you cannot get to shelter, ensure that you stay away from metal, stay below ground level, do not go into open water, and cover your head. DO NOT stand under trees during severe storms. High winds and/or lightning can cause trees to fall crushing everything underneath them.
Finally, make sure your family has a disaster kit and a disaster plan. For more information about disaster plans and kits please visit the St. Charles Fire Department web-site at www.stcharlescity.com/fire and use the links to the State Emergency Management Agency and/or Red Cross. For further information, contact the St. Charles Fire Department through either the web-site or at 636-949-3250.
