Livingston County Michigan - Emergency Management - Severe Weather Awareness Week 2005

March 20-26, 2005, has been designated as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Michigan. The purpose of the awareness week is to help Michigan residents understand the risks associated with severe weather and to promote mitigation and preparedness information to help them better safeguard themselves and their property in the event of severe weather.

Severe Weather Spotter Seminar in Livingston County is on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005. Free training to be a volunteer and participate in the severe weather program. Other locations available. More Information.

Visit our Severe Weather Preparedness page for quick tips on "What To Do" and the difference between a "Watch" and a "Warning".

READ these Tornado Safety Tips
(requires Acrobat Reader)

The National Weather Service Office for the Livingston County area can be reached at 248.625.3309 or visit their web site at http://www.crh.noaa.gov/dtx

TORNADO MYTHS

Myth: The best place to be during a tornado is in the southwest corner of a building.

Fact: The southwest corner is no safer than any other part of the building. The safest place to be is in a basement under something sturdy, like a workbench. If there is no basement, seek shelter in a small interior room in the middle of the building, like a closet or a bathroom. Always stay away from outside walls and windows.

Myth: Windows should always be opened to equalize pressure.

Fact: Opening windows to equalize pressure during a tornado is ineffective in reducing damage. Don't worry about the windows; worry about protecting yourself. Also, flying glass is a real hazard.

Myth: You can outrun a tornado in a car.

Fact: Don't bet your life on it. A tornado is unpredictable; you can't know which way it's going to go, or how fast. If you're in a car and a tornado is near, get away from the car and lie in a ditch or low area, protecting your head with your hands.

Myth: mobile homes are safe if they're tied down.

Fact: A mobile home is never safe in a violent windstorm such as a tornado. If you're in a mobile home when a tornado watch is announced, leave and go immediately to a safe structure. Or be prepared to take cover in a low area, covering your head and the back of your neck. Remember: If you're in a ditch or ravine, be alert for flash floods that often accompany tornadoes.

TORNADO FACTS

What is a tornado?

It is a column of violently rotating winds extending down from a thunderstorm cloud and touching the surface of the earth.

How many tornadoes usually occur in Michigan every year?

An average of 18 tornadoes occur in Michigan each year. Since 1950, 239 persons have been killed due to tornadoes. During this same time, Michigan has experienced 786 tornadoes.

How fast do tornadoes travel?

Tornadoes generally travel from the southwest and at an average speed of 30 miles per hour. However, some tornadoes have very erratic paths, with speeds approaching 70 mph.

What is a tornado watch?

A tornado/severe thunderstorm watch is issued whenever conditions exist for severe weather to develop. Watches are usually for large areas about two-thirds the size of lower Michigan and are usually two-to-six hours long. Watches give you time to plan and prepare.

How do I find out about a warning if my electricity is already out?

In some areas, civil emergency sirens will be your first official warning. In addition, if your television or radio has battery back-up capability, you may receive National Weather Service warnings from local media.

What is the difference between a tornado and a funnel cloud?

A funnel cloud is also a column of violently rotating winds extending down from a thunderstorm; however, it does not touch the earth.

When do tornadoes generally occur?

Most tornadoes occur during the months of June, July and August in the late afternoon and evening hours. However, tornadoes can occur anytime of the day or night in almost any month during the year.

How far do tornadoes travel once they touch the ground?

The average Michigan tornado is on the ground for less than 10 minutes and travels a distance of about 5 miles. However, they do not always follow the norm, and have been known to stay on the ground for more than an hour and travel more than 100 miles.

What is a tornado warning?

A tornado warning is issued by the local Weather Service (NWS) office whenever a tornado has been sighted or NWS Doppler Radar indicates a thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado.

A severe thunderstorm warning is issued whenever a severe thunderstorm is observed or NWS Doppler Radar indicates a thunderstorm capable of producing damaging winds or large hail. Warnings are for smaller areas, such as counties, and are usually 30 minutes to one hour in length.

You must act immediately when you first hear the warning. If severe weather is reported near you, seek shelter immediately. If not, keep a constant lookout for severe weather and stay near a shelter.

TORNADO/THUNDERSTORM SAFETY

Preparing for a tornado:

	Have emergency supplies on hand, including a battery-operated radio, a flashlight and a supply of fresh batteries.
	Know the location of designated shelter areas in public facilities, such as schools, shopping centers and other public buildings.
	Make an inventory of household furnishings and other possessions. Supplement it with photographs of each room. Keep in a safe place.
	Plan ahead. Be sure everyone in your household knows where to go and what to do in case of a tornado warning.

What to do when a tornado threatens:

	Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Protect your head.
	In homes and small buildings, go to the basement or to an interior part of the lowest level. Get under something sturdy.
	In schools, hospitals and public places, move to designated shelter areas. Interior hallways on the lowest floors are best.
	Leave mobile homes and vehicles, and go to the nearest shelter. If there is no shelter nearby, lie in the nearest ditch and shield your head with your arms.

What to do when thunderstorms approach:

	Move to a sturdy building.
	If too far from shelter, find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles, but not in a place subject to flooding. If you are boating or swimming, get to land and shelter immediately.
	If you feel your skin tingle or hair stand on end, lightning may be about to strike. Squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Minimize contact with the ground.
	Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for receiving weather information. Use telephones only in an emergency.

After a tornado:

	Inspect your property, including motor vehicles for damage. Check for electrical problems and gas leaks and report them to the utility company at once.
	Watch out for fallen power lines. Stay out of damaged buildings until you are sure they are safe and will not collapse. Secure your property from further damage or theft.
	Use only approved or chlorinated supplies of drinking water. Check food supplies.

Anytime:
	Listen for the NOAA Weather Radio, or local radio, television and cable stations for the latest weather updates. To insure a continuous flow of weather information, make sure the NOAA Weather Radio, or another radio or television, has a battery back-up.		For NOAA Weather Radio information, including a station near you, see the NOAA Weather Radio page on the Internet at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/nwspub.htm. These publications are produced by the National Weather Service, American Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FLOOD FACTS

What is a flood and when do most occur?

A flood is the inundation of a normally dry area caused by an increased water level in an established watercourse, such as a river, stream, or drainage ditch, or ponding of water at or near the point where the rain fell. Flood can occur anytime during the year. However, many occur seasonally after winter snow melts or heavy spring rains.

What are other causes of flooding in Michigan?

Ice jams and dam failures can also cause both flooding and flash flooding.

What is a flash flood or flood watch?

A flash flood or flood watch indicates that flash flooding or flooding is possible within the designated WATCH area--be alert. It is issued to inform the public and cooperating agencies that current and developing weather conditions are such that there is a threat of flooding, but the occurrence is neither certain or imminent.

What is an urban and small stream flood advisory?

An urban and small stream flood advisory indicates that flooding of small streams, streets, and low lying areas, such as railroad underpasses and urban storm drains, is occurring.

What is a flash flood or flood statement?

A flash flood or flood statement is used for follow-up information regarding a flash flood or flood event.

What are flash floods?

Flash floods occur suddenly, usually within 6 hours of the rain event, and result from heavy localized rainfall. Flash floods can begin before the rain stops.

Water level on small streams may rise quickly in heavy rainstorms, especially near the headwaters of river basins. Heavy rains can also cause flash flooding in areas where the floodplain has been urbanized.

Are people killed as a result of floods?

Many people are killed by flash floods when driving or walking on roads and bridges that are covered by water. In fact, flash floods are the number one weather-related killer in the United States.

Even 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet, and a depth of only 2 feet of water will float many of today's automobiles. If you are in a car and water starts rising, get out and move to higher ground.

What is a flash flood or flood warning?

A flash flood or flood warning indicates that flash flooding or flooding is already occurring or imminent within the designated WARNING area--take necessary precautions at once.

When a flash flood or flood warning is issued for your area, act quickly. Get out of areas subject to flooding and avoid areas where flooding has already occurred.

FLOOD SAFETY

Preparing for a flood:

	Make an itemized list of personal property well in advance of a flood occurring. Photograph the interior and exterior of your home. Store the list, photos and documents in a safe place.
	Memorize the safest and fastest route to high ground. Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing: first aid kit, canned food and can opener, bottled water, extra clothing, rubber boots and gloves, NOAA 'Weather Radio, battery-operated radio, emergency cooking equipment, flashlight and extra batteries.
	If you live in a frequently flooded area, keep sandbags, plastic sheets and lumber on hand to protect property. Install check valves in building sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
	Know the elevation of your property in relation to nearby streams and other waterways, and plan what you will do and where you will go in a flood emergency.

When a flood threatens:

	If forced to leave your property and time permits, move essential items to safe ground, fill tanks to keep them from floating away and grease immovable machinery.
	Store a supply of drinking water in clean bathtubs and in large containers.
	Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, flood plains, etc.

During a flood:
	Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.
	Even 6 inches of fast moving floodwater can knock you off your feet, and a depth of 2 feet will float your car! Never try to walk, swim or drive through such swift water.
	Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road. STOP! Turn around and go another way.
	Keep children from playing in floodwaters or near culverts and storm drains.

After a flood:
	Boil drinking water before using. If fresh food has come in contact with floodwaters, throw it out.	Use flashlights, not lanterns or torches, to examine buildings. Flammables may be inside.
	Seek necessary medical care at the nearest hospital. Food, clothing, shelter and first aid are available at Red Cross shelters.	Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas. Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.

Emergency Management (911)
Central Dispatch Building - 300 S. Highlander Way Howell, MI 48843
Phone 517.546.4620 Fax 517.546.5008

Severe Weather Awareness Week-2005