Be Prepared For Spring Weather

As we transition into spring, it is important to stay prepared for seasonal weather changes.

Spring can bring weather hazards such as thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, flooding, high winds, hail, and even tornadoes.

Please take a moment to review these spring weather safety reminders:

Preparing for Severe Spring Weather

Keep an emergency kit in both your home and in your car (battery powered weather radio, flashlight, blankets, cell phone, batteries, etc.)
Sign up for local emergency alert notifications.  (Most municipalities provide alert notifications which will inform residents in times of crisis.)
Monitor your local radio or television for current weather conditions and possible severe weather.
In the event of severe weather know the difference between storm watches and warnings.
- Watch - A weather watch means there is the potential, or conditions exist for a dangerous weather event.
- Warning - A weather warning means that a dangerous weather event is imminent. Immediate action must be taken to protect life and property.
- Advisory - A weather advisory means weather conditions that are less serious than a warning is possible. These events may cause a significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to a situation that may be threatening to life and property.

Stay away from windows.
Use flashlights if the power goes out. Have a battery-powered NOAA weather radio on hand to monitor weather reports.
Discontinue use of landline phones and electrical equipment.
Avoid taking a shower or bath. If lightning strikes your house, it may send a current of electricity across metal plumbing throughout the house.

Reduce your speed.
Pull off to the shoulder of the road. Be sure you’re away from tall objects, such as trees, which could fall due to wind or lightning. Do not clog highway underpasses.
Turn on your emergency flashers and remain in the car until the storm passes.
Do not touch any metal objects in the car.
Never attempt to drive on roads covered by water.
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.

There are many resources online that provide additional information about preparing for severe weather events. Some of the online resources include:

Thank you for your continued vigilance to help keep our friends, families, and coworkers safe.

Last Modified: Mar 12, 2025