Discussions about disasters and emergencies can be uncomfortable, but they are crucial for ensuring the safety of our loved ones. By having these conversations now, you can take proactive steps to prepare and stay safe.
How to Start the Conversation
Choose a Calm Moment: Set aside a time when everyone is relaxed and not rushed. Take Your Time: Spread out discussions over several sessions to avoid rushing decisions and to ensure everyone feels comfortable. Discuss Preparation Steps: Talk about what actions you can take to prepare, and encourage everyone to ask questions about how to address their specific needs. Over the month we’ll be sharing practical steps for Avon Lake residents to prepare for emergencies.
Tornado
Tornadoes can happen anytime and anywhere. If you are under a tornado or severe weather warning do the following:
- Stay Weather-Ready: Continue to listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about tornado watches and warnings.
- At Your House: If you are in a tornado warning, go to your basement, safe room, or an interior room away from windows. Don't forget pets if time allows.
- At Your Workplace or School: Follow your tornado drill and proceed to your tornado shelter location quickly and calmly. Stay away from windows and do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
- Outside: Seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately if a tornado is approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Neither is a mobile home or tent. If you have time, get to a safe building.
In a vehicle: Being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe. The best course of action is to drive to the closest shelter. If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head, or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low lying area such as a ditch or ravine.
Below are links to resources with more information about preparing for a tornado:
National Weather Service Tornado Preparedness
Finally, Sign up with Alert Avon Lake to get notifications from the City of Avon Lake. If there is an emergency in the city and all communications are down the city will post important information in the Safety Center, 32855 Walker Road.
Power Outage
If the power outage lasts more than four hours, it’s important to take special precautions, especially if your refrigerator is affected or if you rely on oxygen.
Please keep the following tips in mind during a power outage:
- Contact First Energy to inform them, don’t assume your neighbor will. The most affected areas are prioritized.
- Call 911 if you rely on oxygen.
- Call 911 immediately if you see a downed power line. Stay at least 30 feet away.
- Keep your refrigerator and freezer door closed. Food in the refrigerator will stay safe for four hours, in the freezer 24 - 48 hours.
- Use generators outside only.
- Unplug electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
Below are links to resources with more information what to do when the power goes out:
Prepare Now
Disasters are costly but preparing for them doesn’t have to be. In fact, taking time to prepare now can help save you thousands of dollars and give you peace of mind when the next disaster or emergency occurs. Here are some basics you can do today.
For a thorough list see the links below:
- Know what kind of disasters and emergencies are most common for where you live.
- Make sure you store important phone numbers somewhere besides just your cell phone.
- Sign up for emergency alerts (Alert Avon Lake) in your area to receive life-saving information from your state and local municipality.
- Talk with family or members of your household about where you will go if told to evacuate. Having a plan before disaster strikes can help you save precious time and money.
- Store important documents like insurance policies digitally.
Below are links to resources to help you prepare:
Make a Plan and Build a Kit
In the aftermath of an emergency, you may need to rely on your own supplies for several days. Start by creating a plan and assembling a disaster supplies kit or grab bag. This kit should include enough food, water, and essential items to sustain your household for a minimum of three days.
Considerations for Your Kit:
- Your Unique Needs: Include items for any specific medical needs, such as refrigerated medications or special dietary requirements.
- Pets: Ensure you have supplies and plans for your pets.
- Vehicle Kit: Prepare a secondary kit for your car.
- Elderly Family Members: Make plans for any elderly family members who depend on you.
Below are links to resources for creating your plan and your kit:
Alert Avon Lake
Finally, sign up with Alert Avon Lake to get notifications from the City of Avon Lake. If there is an emergency in the city and all communications are down, the city will post important information at the Safety Center, 32855 Walker Road.