How To Be Prepared for Potential Severe Weather Outbreak

With tomorrow's threat of severe weather for the Evansville and surrounding areas, here are some things you need to know to be prepared to keep you and your family safe.

While we all undoubtedly welcome the break from the freezing temperatures that we have been having here in the Tristate, if you are from the area, you know that it can be cause for alarm as well. Warm fronts in winter, that are bound to be followed with a cold front can create some pretty severe weather, and the reports are already starting to roll in that tomorrow will likely offer us some less than pleasant weather. According to The Weather Channel there are some steps you can take to be prepared:

Protect Your Family and Home

Make a plan to prepare and protect the people and things you value before severe weather strikes:

• Make sure your family members know and understand the siren warning signals, if there is such a system in place in your area.
• Take photographs of your valuables and store them in a fire- and waterproof safe. Also use the safe to store important documents such as birth certificates, ownership documentation for cars and boats, Social Security cards, insurance policies and wills.
• Check your homeowner's insurance to confirm your coverage in case your home is damaged or destroyed. Tornadoes can be accompanied by heavy rains and flooding, which most homeowner's insurance policies do not cover. Check with your insurance agent or the National Flood Insurance Program for more information.
• Assemble a family disaster kit.
• Locate and mark where utility switches and valves are in your home so they can be turned off in an emergency if time allows.
• Depending on your location, you may be told to evacuate before a warning or even a watch is issued. Notify friends and/or family members who are unaffected by the storm of where you're going and why.
• Familiarize yourself with the emergency action plans at your school or workplace and identify the appropriate officials and emergency management agencies in your area, with contact information and phone numbers in case you need assistance after a storm.
• Make sure to charge your mobile phone, laptop and other mobile device batteries.

Family Preparedness Plan

Develop a disaster preparedness plan for your family that includes the following:

• A place to go if necessary when a tornado watch or warning is issued, depending on where you are ”“ at home, school, work, or if you're outdoors or in your car.
• Plan for a friend or relative you've designated as your point of contact if you are separated from your family during a severe thunderstorm.
• Place where family members can meet if you're separated after a tornado strikes.
• Names and contact information for your insurance agents, including policy types and numbers.
• Telephone numbers for your utility providers, including gas, water and electricity.

For more information visit The Weather Channel Website