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As severe weather continues to impact Ohio, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel are urging Ohioans to prepare for ongoing rainfall and flash flooding.
The Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA) offers the following safety tips:
Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.
Know where you can seek safe shelter in the event of a flood. Pay attention to changing conditions and listen for updates. If you are under a flood warning, seek shelter immediately.
Have a family communication plan. Make sure everyone knows what the plan is and has each other’s phone numbers to remain in contact with each other.
Check on your neighbors and family members. Check on older neighbors to make sure that they have enough food, medicine, and water to get through the next week. Ask if they may need assistance evacuating, if necessary.
Understand generator safety. Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how to use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards. Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and attached garages. Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home.
Pets and livestock preparedness is important. Animals need protection from severe weather and flooding. Be sure pets and livestock have safe shelter on higher ground and access to clean drinking water.
The Ohio EMA is keeping in constant contact with the National Weather Service and state partners. The Ohio EMA Emergency Operations Center is in an Assessment and Monitoring Phase which is the second of four phases.
For additional information on severe weather and preparedness and what to do before, during and after severe weather, visit the Ohio EMA website: www.ema.ohio.gov, Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness website: www.weathersafety.