Category: Press Releases

Severe weather can strike at any time, and it’s important to know the best places to shelter in order to stay safe. Whether it’s a tornado, hurricane, or blizzard, having a safe place to go can mean the difference between life and death. Here are some of the best places to shelter from severe weather.

Basement or Storm Cellar
A basement or storm cellar is one of the best places to shelter during a tornado. If you don’t have a basement or cellar, try to find the lowest level of your home, such as a closet or bathroom, and get as far away from windows as possible.

Interior Room
If you’re in an area prone to hurricanes or severe thunderstorms, find an interior room with no windows. This can be a bathroom, closet, or hallway. Make sure to have a battery-operated radio or other communication device so you can stay informed about the storm’s progress.

Community Shelter
Many communities have designated shelters for severe weather events. Check with your local government or emergency management office to find out where your nearest shelter is located.

Public Buildings
If you’re away from home when severe weather strikes, seek shelter in a public building such as a library, school, or government building. These buildings are often built to withstand severe weather and may have designated shelter areas.

High Ground
If you’re in an area prone to flooding, seek high ground immediately. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas, as even shallow water can sweep away cars.

RV / Mobile Home Park Shelter
If you live in a mobile home or RV, seek shelter in a designated shelter area within your park or community. These areas are often built to withstand severe weather and can provide a safe place to ride out a storm.

No matter where you find shelter during severe weather, it’s important to stay informed and follow the instructions of local authorities. Stay safe and be prepared for any type of severe weather event.

In our continuing series related to Severe Weather Awareness Week, we talk about lightning safety.  If you find yourself caught in a thunderstorm, there are several things you can do to stay safe from lightning strikes. Here are some lightning safety tips:

1. Seek Shelter: The best way to protect yourself from lightning is to seek shelter in a sturdy building. Stay inside until the storm has passed and avoid using electrical appliances or plumbing during the storm.
2. Avoid Open Spaces: If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm, avoid open spaces and tall structures such as trees, poles, and fences. These objects can attract lightning and increase the risk of a strike.
3. Stay Low: If you cannot find shelter during a thunderstorm, stay low to the ground. Crouch down and place your hands on your knees, with your feet close together. This will minimize your contact with the ground and reduce the risk of a lightning strike.
4. Don’t Touch Metal: During a thunderstorm, avoid touching metal objects such as fences, metal poles, and bicycles. These objects can conduct electricity and increase the risk of a lightning strike.
5. Wait It Out: If you are in a car during a thunderstorm, avoid parking under trees or other tall objects. Stay in the car with the windows closed and wait until the storm has passed before getting out.

You need to know when severe weather is approaching!  Luckily there are now a variety of ways that you can be alerted when conditions are favorable for severe weather to strike!

Local News
One of the easiest ways to stay aware of sever weather conditions, is to tune into your local TV news.  Chances are, if severe weather is approaching, they will preempt regular programming to keep you alerted of quickly changing conditions.

Radio Stations
Most local weather stations (especially talk radio stations) provide regular weather updates on the hour or more frequently.  If you are in your car, you can easily learn of severe weather conditions at regular intervals in the broadcast.

Weather Websites
Whether it be websites dedicated to providing weather forecasts (weather.com, weather.gov, weatherbug.com, wunderground.com) or local news station websites (wxyz.com, clickondetroit.com, fox2detroit.com), you can quickly find weather forecasts and warnings for your specific area.

Cell Phone Apps
There are a variety of apps available for your cellphone that not only allow you to view the forecast, but also alert you of severe weather approaching.  Most phones will have a built-in weather app, but if you are looking for more details and alerts, some of the apps available include: Storm Shield, Storm Tracker, 4WARN Weather, FOX2 Weather App, and NOAA Weather Radar & Alerts.

NOAA Weather Radio
You may want to consider picking up a NOAA weather alert radio for your home or workplace. This tried-and-true method of alerting you of severe weather doesn’t require a cell phone, TV or other specialized device.  These devices often have a battery powered backup, so they will even keep you informed of severe weather if you lose power in your home. NOAA weather radios are available at a variety of retail stores, or even at your favorite online retailer.

Stay alert, stay safe!

This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Michigan. The Chesterfield Fire Department wants everyone to know how to be safe at home, work, and outside.  As such, throughout the week we will be posting topics about weather safety. Today we look at the differences between a Warning, Watch or Advisory.

Watches, Warnings & Advisories

Normally, a Storm Watch will be issued in advance of the storm (usually at least 24 hours). It indicates the risk of a hazardous weather event has increased (at least a 50% chance of it occurring), but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so you can make plans to stay safe.

As the event becomes imminent, a watch will normally be upgraded to either a warning or an advisory (which indicates an 80% or greater probability of occurence). A Warning indicates that conditions pose a threat to life or property, and that travel will become difficult to impossible. An Advisory indicates conditions pose a significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

Remember to always be aware of the weather, and be sure your family knows what to do as well!

Join the Chesterfield Fire Department for Fire Fighter Friday, a special online series in which we share some information about what we do and the tools of the trade.