News Flash

PRESS RELEASE – GREENVILLE FIRE-RESCUE OFFERS SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY REMINDERS

GREENVILLE: Severe weather season is upon us, and Greenville Fire-Rescue would like to offer these tips, especially for those who are new to the area. Severe weather threatens our area in the form of tornados or straight-line winds on a regular basis. Being ready ahead of time provides the best opportunity for keeping you and your loved ones safe. Ready.gov offers these tips should you find yourself in a weather emergency.

Have multiple ways to receive severe weather notifications:

• Sign up for your community’s warning system. Greenville has CodeRED available here: https://gfdtx.online/CodeRED. It allows for messages to be received via landline, cell phone, text, and/or email based on a local address. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. Weather apps are available for local areas, typically through an area news station. Follow the instructions of state and local officials. Have a battery-operated weather radio should you lose power.

• Have a communication plan for your family should you be separated.

Preparing for a Tornado

• Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris, or a loud roar like a freight train. Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.

• Identify and practice going to a safe shelter such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room, or basement on the lowest level of a sturdy building.

• If you have mobility issues, try to find a family member or friend whose place you can go to ahead of time or who can help you take shelter in a timely manner. Determine your safe locations ahead of time.

• Plan for your pet. They are an important member of your family, so they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan.

• Prepare for a long-term stay at home or sheltering in place by gathering emergency supplies, cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, water, medical supplies, and medication. For a more detailed list, visit https://www.ready.gov/kit.

Staying Safe During a Tornado

• Pay attention to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.

• Immediately go to a safe location that you have identified, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building. Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Protect yourself by covering your head or neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around or on top of you.

• Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle if you are in a car. If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head, and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible. Do not go under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location. Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.

Staying Safe After a Tornado

• Save your phone calls for emergencies and use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends. Pay attention to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, and local authorities for updated information.

• Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines. Use caution when leaving your home or business for broken tree limbs that could fall on you. Plan for the possibility of sheltering in place with no power. Roads could be closed, or your vehicle damaged beyond drivability.

For more information, visit https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes. 

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