SPRING WEATHER

* Lightning can be deadly!

Remember all lightning safety rules!

* Stay indoors and don't venture out unless absolutely necessary

* Don't use the telephone!

* Unplug your television from the cable outlet or conventional antenna

* If there is a power failure, turn off all electrical appliances and switches before the power comes back on. This may avoid damage if there is a power surge.

* Increase your awareness and be on the watch for high winds, hail and possible tornadoes. Monitor your portable radio, including NOAA Weather Radio.

* Golfers should take heed: leave the golf course and seek shelter.

* Don't take a shower or a bath. Water and copper tubing are excellent conductors of electricity.

* Get out of the water and get off of the beaches.

* Stay in your car if you are traveling. Automobiles offer excellent protection because the metal bodies conduct electricity away from the occupants.

* If you are driving use extreme caution. Visibility may be impaired by downpours. Inspect and replace your wiper blades regularly.

* Automobile braking may be reduced by water on the road. Occasionally test your brakes by pumping them.

* When shelter is not available, as when caught in an open field, present a low profile by crouching.

* Never stand near or under a tree. A lightning strike can turn the bark into shrapnel.

* Although hail is rather infrequent, park vehicles under a car port or in a garage to prevent hail damage. If you don't have a covered place for your car, thick blankets tied to the hood, roof, and trunk will offer some protection against hail.

* Never touch downed power lines. Dial 911 or the local power company immediately to ensure that the line is turned off so repairs can be made.

Be alert to changing weather conditions. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. Look for approaching storms. Look for the following danger signs: Dark, often greenish sky Large hail A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating) Loud roar, similar to a freight train.

During a Tornado

If you are under a Tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately!

If you are in:

A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)

Then:

Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

If you are in:

A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home.

Then:

Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. The outside with no shelter Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.

**"ENHANCED FUJITA"** Tornado Scale

WINDS CHARACTER OF DAMAGE RELATIVE FREQUENCY!!

E-F0 (weak) 65-85 mph

LIGHT DAMAGE: Some damage to chimneys, TV antennas, roof shingles displaced. Small branches broken on trees.

PERCENT IN U.S. 29%

MODERATE DAMAGE: Roof decking removed, carports overturned, some trees uprooted, automobiles overturned. Unanchored homes sliding.

PERCENT IN U.S. 40%

CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE: Roofs blown off homes leaving strong walls standing. Sheds and other outbuildings demolished, unanchored mobile homes overturned, block structure walls collapsed, roofs peeled back. Small wood missiles observed.

PERCENT IN U.S. 24%

SEVERE DAMAGE: Exterior walls and roofs blown off homes. Metal buildings collapsed or are severely damaged. Forests are flattened. Most block structures collapsed.

PERCENT IN U.S. 6%

DEVASTATING DAMAGE: Few walls, if any, standing in well-built homes. Pile of debris on foundation, large steel and concrete missiles thrown far distances.

PERCENT IN U.S. 2%

(RARE)

INCREDIBLE DAMAGE: Homes on slabs levelled with debris removed. Schools, motels and other marginally engineered buildings have considerable damage with exterior walls and roofs gone. Top stories demolished.

PERCENT IN U.S. less than 1%

SUMMER WEATHER

Lightning

* Stay indoors and avoid windows, doors and fireplaces.
* Do not touch metal pipes, or use sinks or other electrical conductors.
* Avoid using non-cellular telephones or showering (household electrical systems are grounded to the water main).

If you are outdoors:

* Seek shelter in a building, hollow or ditch.
* If shelter is not available, kneel on the ground and lean forward with your head lower than your back (but not touching the ground) and place your hands on your thighs.
* Stay away from metal objects such as fences, machinery or sheds.
* Do not carry metal items such as umbrellas, tools or golf clubs.
* Do not go swimming or boating.

If you are in a car:

* Stay inside and park away from trees.
* Avoid touching metal surfaces inside the vehicle.

* Where possible, move personal belongings indoors.
* Shelter cars, machinery and equipment in a garage or shed.
* If you are caught outdoors without shelter, crouch down and protect your head and neck.

Flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other severe weather related event, an average of $4.6 billion a year in the past 20 years (1984-2003). Flooding can occur in any of the 50 states or U.S. territories at anytime of the year.

Q: How do I know how severe a flood will be?

Once a river reaches flood stage, the flood severity categories used by the NWS include minor flooding, moderate flooding, and major flooding. Each category has a definition based on property damage and public threat:

* Minor Flooding - minimal or no property damage, but possibly some public threat or inconvenience.
* Moderate Flooding - some inundation of structures and roads near streams. Some evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations are necessary.
* Major Flooding - extensive inundation of structures and roads. Significant evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations.

Q: What's the difference between a flood and flash flood?

A flood occurs when prolonged rainfall over several days, intense rainfall over a short period of time, or an ice or debris jam causes a river or stream to overflow and flood the surrounding area. Melting snow can combine with rain in the winter and early spring; severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rain in the spring and summer; or tropical cyclones can bring intense rainfall to the coastal and inland states in the summer and fall.

A flash flood occurs within six hours of a rain event, or after a dam or levee failure, or following a sudden release of water held by an ice or debris jam, and flash floods can catch people unprepared. You will not always have a warning that these deadly, sudden floods are coming. So, if you live in areas prone to flash floods, plan now to protect your family and property. The use of the word “flash” here is synonymous with “urgent.”

FALL WEATHER

Hurricanes

Develop a plan. Know your homes vulnerability to the threats above - surge, wind, and flooding. Check your supplies - water, batteries, food. Know where you can evacuate to - friends, relatives, a hotel?

KNOW WHEN TO TAKE ACTION - Watch vs Warning

WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.

WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.
Remember that there is no such thing as a "minor hurricane." Category 1 and 2 hurricanes still can do significant damage.

Prepare before a Watch or Warning is issued and be ready to evacuate when the Watch comes or earlier if so instructed.

**"AN APPROACHING STORM"**

As a storm approaches, you should prepare your house and your yard. Some things to consider:

* Turn down the temperature on your freezer and refrigerator as low as possible. This will buy you more time in the event of a power loss. 24 to 48 hours before will cool the food. Avoid opening them whenever possible. If you are evacuating, probably unnecessary.

* Before you evacuate, call at least one person out of state to let them know your plans.

* Ensure that your Hurricane Emergency Kit is fully stocked. Charge electronic devices, for example, computers, cell phones, rechargeable batteries, razors, and the like.

* Make extra ice, bag it - this will be useful to use and to keep the freezer cold.

* Do the same with your home air conditioner. It gets very hot and very humid very quickly. If you are evacuating, this is not necessary.

* If you have a generator, do NOT run it inside or near the house. But make sure you have fuel to run it.

* Make sure your car has fuel.

* Pick up yard debris - furniture, tools, decorative items, branches - anything loose that could become a missile. We have placed furniture in the pool upon occasion.

* Secure boats, trailers, campers, RVs, and the like in the safest place you can find. Tie them down, anchor them, or however you can best secure them. But, take into account that there may be a storm surge.

* Secure all doors and windows with locks, and shutters if available. Plywood, properly secured, can be effective. Don't forget your garage doors.

* Move items that may be damaged by water to higher areas of your home if you can not take them with you if evacuating. Move them away from windows in case they are broken.

* Huge items must even be secured in big storms. An engine block was found 40 or 50 feet up in a pine tree in the Homestead (actually Redlands) area after Hurricane Andrew. Don't think that something is too big to be moved by the wind.

* Re-check tie-downs.

* Bring cars, bikes, scooters and anything like that into your garage if possible.

* Bring in grills or other cooking items.

* Bring in hoses, trash cans, hot tub covers, wind-chimes, plants.

* Caulk and fill bathtubs - extra water comes in handy for toilets and more.... It may sound strange, but do your laundry, dishes, and take a shower. Why? Because if you lose power, having as much clean as possible will make a big difference.

* Check if your pool pump should be on or off.

* Close and fasten gates so they don't swing.

* Close chimney flues.

* Close/latch inside doors and cabinets.

If you have time, help your neighbors. Debris in their yards can easily impact your home and yard.

**"BOAT PREPERATION"**

1. Move life jackets and first aid kits to house.

2. Remove cushions and lose items (e.g. boat tops) and move to garage.

3. Anchor hatch covers.

4. Move to maximum davit height, fasten cables.

5. Unplug davits/lifts.

6. Turn off outside electricity to davits.

7. For our Boston Whaler: put in main plug on boat (take out other plugs).

8. Tighten down davit locks.

9. Tie down boat with dock lines.

**"DURRING THE STORM"**

* Stay inside, away from windows.

* Be alert for tornadoes.

* Stay away from flood waters and storm surge. It can be deceptively strong.

* Be aware of the eye. It may be calm, but winds can and will pick up quickly and could catch you outside.

* Un-plug electronic devices that are not in use to avoid surge damage. This is less likely that during afternoon thunderstorms because lightening is rare in a hurricane, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

**"AFTER THE STORM"**

* Know power safety - avoid downed lines.

* Know food safety - what is good and for how long.

* Chain saw safety is critical.

* Generator safety is important too.

* Water treatment - whether water needs to be boiled or not.

* Listen to local officials.

* Use flashlights instead of candles.

* Inspect your home for damage.

* Stay off roads as much as possible.

* You may need to super-chlorinate your pool.

WINTER WEATHER

WINTER STORMS!
THE DECEPTIVE KILLERS

WINTER STORMS CAN BE DEADLY

*Extreme cold can cause hypothermia (an extreme lowering of the body’s temperature) and death.

*Fireplaces, emergency heaters, and candles can cause household fires.

*Toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide, from heaters can cause asphyxiation (unconsciousness or death from a lack of oxygen).

*Hazardous road conditions can cause car accidents.

PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE FOR WINTER!

HOUSE CHECKLIST

*Insulate walls and attic.

*Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.

*Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.

*Insulate any water lines that run along outer walls (water will be less likely to freeze).

*Service snow-removal equipment.

*Have chimney and flue inspected.

*Install easy-to-read outdoor thermometer.

CAR CHECKLIST

Keep your car fueled and in good working order.

*Antifreeze

*Windshield wiper fluid (wintertime mixture)

*Heater

*Brakes

*Ignition

*Emergency flashers

*Exhaust

*Tires (air pressure and wear)

*Fuel

*Oil

*Brake fluid

*Defroster

*Battery

*Radiator

Please know the difference in watches, warnings and advisories!

Winter Storm Watch - Conditions are favorable for hazardous winter weather conditions including heavy snow, blizzard conditions, or significant accumulations of freezing rain or sleet. These watches are usually issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of the event.

Winter Storm Warning - Hazardous winter weather conditions that pose a threat to life and/or property are occurring, imminent or likely. The generic term, winter storm warning, is used for a combination of two or more of the following winter weather events; heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet and strong winds. The following event-specific warnings are issued for a single weather hazard:

*Blizzard Warning - Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater, considerable falling and/or blowing snow reducing visibility frequently to 1/4 mile or less for a period of three hours or more. There are no temperature criteria in the definition of a blizzard but freezing temperatures and 35 mph winds will create single digit wind chills.

*Heavy Snow Warning - Snowfall of 6 inches or more in 12 hours or less, or 8 inches or more in 24 hours or less.

*Lake Effect Snow Warning - Lake effect snowfall of 6 inches or more in 12 hours or less, or 8 inches or more in 24 hours or less.

*Ice Storm Warning - Accumulations of 1/4 inch or more of freezing rain.

*Heavy Sleet Warning - Accumulations of 1/2 inch or more of sleet.

Winter Weather Advisory - Hazardous winter weather conditions are occurring, imminent or likely. Conditions will cause a significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, will result in a potential threat to life and/or property. The generic term, winter weather advisory, is used for a combination of two or more of the following events; snow, freezing rain or drizzle, sleet, blowing snow.

Wind Chill Advisory - Dangerous wind chills of -20oF to -30oF.

Wind Chill Warning - Extreme wind chills of -30oF or colder.

**Wear mittens instead of gloves. Wear a hat.

**Remember that entrapped, insulating air, warmed by body heat is the best protection from the cold.

**The strain from cold temperatures and heavy labor such as shoveling, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow may cause a heart attack in older and less physically fit individuals.

IF YOU BECOME STRANDED IN YOUR VEHICLE DURRING A WINTER STORM

**Stay in your car, truck, or minivan.

**Run the engine at 10 minute intervals for heat.

**Maintain proper ventilation by making sure the exhaust pipe is not plugged.

**Leave the windows open slightly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

**Make yourself visible to rescuers. Tie a bright cloth to your antenna or door handle.

**Turn on the dome light at night, but only when running the engine.

IF YOU LOSE HEAT IN YOUR HOME

**Seal off any unused rooms by stuffing towels or rags in the cracks under the door.

**Cover the windows with blankets or sheets at night if you have some extras available.

**Use only devices that are designed for heating indoors during as emergency heat source and handle all safety precautions.

FEEL FREE TO PRINT THESE SAFETY TIPS AND USE THEM WHERE EVER NEEDED.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

ALEX MELENDEZ,

CHIEF METEOROLOGIST,

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN WEATHER SERVICE