The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Saturday, April 24, 2010 for our area. With this in mind, please plan accordingly and prepare for the possibility of severe thunderstorms that could contain large hail, damaging winds and strong tornadoes. The City of Madison and Madison Fire & Rescue encourages all residents to remain weather aware and initiate appropriate safety measures. The following can be used in preparing for today’s possible weather event:
PLAN FOR A TORNADO:
1. Talk with family members and ensure that everyone knows what to do in case all family members are not together.
2. If you live in a mobile home, please find an alternative shelter location and be prepared to move there prior to severe weather entering the area.
3. If you live in an upstairs unit of an apartment building, please find an alternative shelter location or at least move to a ground level unit.
4. A basement is the safest place. If you do not have a basement, consider an interior hallway or bathroom on the lowest floor. Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible. Make sure that there are no windows or glass in close proximity to your safe place.
5. If possible, get under something sturdy and hold on to it until the storm passes.
6. If you are in a car, you should exit it and find a safe shelter. If no shelter is around, try to find the lowest spot and lie flat in it using your arms and hands to protect your head.
7. Before severe weather enters the area, secure all outside objects that could become airborne should strong winds occur.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A TORNADO:
1. Continue to monitor the weather situation by weather radio or other means.
2. If needed and you can safely do so, administer first aid where appropriate. Call 911 and give your location. Do not move seriously injured persons unless there is immediate danger of further injury.
3. Watch out for fallen power lines and busted gas lines. Report these as soon as possible.
4. Do not enter damaged structures. Further collapse can occur without warning.
5. Avoid disaster areas. Your presence may interfere with emergency operations and put you at further risk.
6. Stay at your residence or its general area until emergency services arrives and advises you where to go.
Our citizen’s safety is our number one priority. If you have any questions, please call Madison Fire & Rescue at 772-3326. All emergency calls should still be directed to 911.