City of College Park

Tornado Safety Tips:

These violent storms can strike anywhere at any time with little warning. Stay alert to these danger signs:

Terms to know:
Tornado WATCH - Tornadoes are possible - watch the sky and stay tuned to radio or TV stations for warnings.

Tornado WARNING - A tornado has been sited or detected by weather radar - take shelter immediately.


IF THERE IS A TORNADO WARNING, PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY:

AT HOME:
Go to your storm shelter, basement, or a central room on the lowest level.
Stay away from windows.

IN YOUR CAR:
Stop, get out, and go to the storm shelter or lowest level in a nearby building.

IN A PUBLIC BUILDING:
Go to the designated shelter area or to an interior hallway on the lowest floor.

IN OPEN COUNTRY:
Lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. DO NOT
get under an overpass or bridge.

DON'T FORGET YOUR OUTDOOR PETS - BRING THEM INSIDE!

For more weather safety tips visit WEATHER.COM

March 2008 Tornados that damaged downtown Atlanta, GA

Flood Safety Tips

Some floods can develop slowly, while flash floods can strike "in a manner of minutes".

Terms to Know:

Flood WATCH: Flooding is possible-stay tuned to radio or TV for more information.

Flood WARNING: Flooding is occurring or is about to.

Flash Flood WATCH: Flash flooding is possible and could occur without warning- stay tuned to radio or TV and be prepared to move to higher ground.

Flash Flood WARNING: A flash flood is occurring-get to higher ground if necessary.

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY IN CASE OF FLOODING:

Learn flood evacuation routes and where to find high ground. Evacuate
when instructed by authorities, and return home only when it is safe to do so.

Be aware of streams, washes and other low-lying areas that are prone to
sudden flooding in your area.

INSIDE: Avoid showering, bathing and using a phone with a cord except
in an emergency. Unplug appliances and computers.

OUTSIDE: Stay away from metal fences, pipes, equipment and machinery.

DON'T FORGET YOUR OUTDOOR PETS - BRING THEM INSIDE!

For more weather safety tips visit WEATHER.COM

Tropical System/Hurricane Safety Tips - How to be Prepared!

Although College Park is not a coastal city, we do however often feel the effects of those coastal tropical systems through severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, heavy rains, flash flooding and high wind events. We must be prepared as we prepare for another active tropical storm/hurricane season.

NOAA's 2010 Atlantic Tropical Storm Predictions:
14-23 Storms
8-14 Hurricanes
3-7 Major Hurricanes (CAT 3 or Higher)

Hurricane Terms to Know:

Hurricane WATCH: Hurricane conditions are a real possibility for an area.

HurricaneWARNING: A hurricane is exepected within 24 hours. BEGIN PRECAUTIONARY ACTION AT ONCE.

TROPICAL STORM/HURRICANE WARNING ACTIONS:

* Listen for weather updates and stay informed.
* Keep portable radio and flashlight on hand with fresh batteries.
* Clear yard of all loose objects. (secure patio furniture, etc.)
* Bring pets indoors to a safe location.
* Store drinking water in clean containers.
* Plan a flood-free evacuation route.
* IF ORDERED TO EVACUATE - DO SO IMMEDIATELY! (Take your emergency
preparedness kit with you)
* DO NOT RETURN TO EVACUATED AREA UNTIL LOCAL OFFICIALS HAVE
ISSUED AN ALL-CLEAR.


TROPICAL STORM/HURRICANE EVACUATION
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT

Keep this kit ready to go. Include enough water and canned or boxed food for each member of your household and pets for atleast three days, plus the following:
* Flashlight
* Battery-operated radio
* Extra Batteries
* First Aid-Kit
* Blankets / Sleeping bags
* Prescription medications
* Hygiene supplies (toothpaste, soap, garbage bags, wet wipes, toilet
paper, sanitary items, etc.)
* Personal items including books, games and toys.

For more information on Tropical Storm/Hurricane Safety visit: NOAA.gov