Advisory:

An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather event is occurring, imminent, or likely. Advisories are for less serious conditions than warnings. These storms may cause significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life or property.

Watch:

A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so. A watch means that hazardous weather is possible. People should have a plan of action in case a storm threatens and they should listen for later information and possible warnings especially when planning travel or outdoor activities.

Warning:

A warning is issued when a hazardous weather event is occurring, imminent or likely. A warning means weather conditions pose a threat to life or property. People in the path of the storm need to take protective action.

Severe Thunderstorms: Winds of 58 mph or higher AND/OR Hail 1inch in diameter or larger

Hazardous Winter Weather: (1) 5 inches or more of snow sleet with a 12-hour period OR 7 inches or more of snow/sleet with a 24-hour period AND/OR (2) enough ice accumulation to cause damage to trees or powerlines AND/OR (3) a life threatening or damaging combination of snow/ice accumulation with wind.

Blizzard: Snow and/or blowing snow reducing visablity to ¼ milw or less for 3 hours or longer AND Sustained winds of 35 mph or greater

Severe Thunderstorms: Winds of 58 mph or higher AND/OR Hail 1inch in diameter or larger

WINTER TIPS:

To prepare for a winter storm you should do the following:

• Consult http://emacrawford-co.org/ frequently for current road conditions
• Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
  • Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.
  • Sand to improve traction.
  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
  • Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
  • Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
• Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
• A NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts alerts and warnings directly from the NWS for all hazards. You may also sign up in advance to receive notifications from your local emergency services.
• Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

Winterize Your Vehicle

Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:

• Antifreeze levels– ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
• Battery and ignition system– should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
• Brakes– check for wear and fluid levels.
• Exhaust system– check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
• Fuel and air filters– replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Heater and defroster– ensure they work properly.
• Lights and flashing hazard lights– check for serviceability.
• Oil– check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
• Thermostat– ensure it works properly.
• Windshield wiper equipment– repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
• Install good winter tires– Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

Update the emergency kits in your vehicles with:

• A shovel
• Windshield scraper and small broom
• Flashlight
• Battery powered radio
• Extra batteries
• Water
• Snack food
• Matches
• Extra hats, socks and mittens
• First aid kit with pocket knife
• Necessary medications
• Blanket(s)
• Tow chain or rope
• Road salt and sand
• Booster cables
• Emergency flares
• Fluorescent distress flag

Winterize Your Home

• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
• Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
• Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
• Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow – or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

STAY PUT – LEARN HOW TO SHELTER IN PLACE

Sometimes the best way to stay safe in an emergency is to get inside and stay put inside a building or vehicle. Where you should stay can be different for different types of emergencies.

Be informed about the different kinds of emergencies that could affect your area and ways officials share emergency information.

Crawford County Emergency Management Agency: http://emacrawford-co.org/

Get Inside, Stay Inside    

If local officials tell you to “stay put,” act quickly. Listen carefully to local radio or television stations for instructions, because the exact directions will depend on the emergency situation. In general you should:

• Get inside.Bring your loved ones, your emergency supplies, and when possible, your pets,
• Find a safe spot in this location. The exact spot will depend on the type of emergency,
• Stay put in this location until officials say that it is safe to leave.

Stay in Touch

Once you and your family are in place, let your emergency contact know what’s happening, and listen carefully for new information.

• Call or text your emergency contact.Let them know where you are, if any family members are missing, and how you are doing.
• Use your phone only as necessary.Keep the phone handy in case you need to report a life threatening emergency. Otherwise, do not use the phone, so that the lines will be available for emergency responders.
• Keep listening to your radio, television, or phone for updates.Do not leave your shelter unless authorities tell you it is safe to do so. If they tell you to evacuate the area, follow their instructions.

Sheltering with pets

• Prepare a spot for your pets to poop and pee while inside the shelter. You will need plenty of plastic bags, newspapers, containers, and cleaning supplies to deal with the pet waste.
• Do not allow pets to go outside the shelter until the danger has passed.

Sealing a Room

• In some types of emergencies, you will need to stop outside air from coming in. If officials tell you to “seal the room,” you need to:
• Turn off things that move air, like fans and air conditioners,
• Get yourself and your loved ones inside the room,
  • Bring your emergency supplies if they are clean and easy to get to
• Block air from entering the room, and
• Listen to officials for further instructions.

Once officials say the emergency is over, turn on fans and other things that circulate air. Everyone should go outside until the building’s air has been exchanged with the now clean outdoor air. For more details, read FEMA’s Guidelines for Staying Put.

Staying Put in Your Vehicle

In some emergencies it is safer to pull over and stay in your car than to keep driving. If you are very close to home, your workplace, or a public building, go there immediately and go inside. Follow the “shelter-in-place” recommendations for that location. If you can’t get indoors quickly and safely:

• Pull over to the side of the road.
  • Stop your vehicle in the safest place possible and turn off the engine.
  • If it is warm outside, it is better to stop under a bridge or in a shady spot so you don’t get overheated.
• Stay where you areuntil officials say it is safe to get back on the road.
• Listen to the radio for updates and additional instructions.
  • Modern car radios do not use much battery power, so listening to the radio for an hour or two should not cause your car battery to die.
  • Even after it is safe to get back on the road, keep listening to the radio and follow directions of law enforcement officials.

Links:

Crawford County Emergency Management Agency: http://emacrawford-co.org/

Ohio Department of Health: https://www.odh.ohio.gov/

National Weather Service Cleveland: http://www.weather.gov/cle/

Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.Ready.gov

Homeland Security: http://www.homelandsecurity.ohio.gov/index.stm