Storm Center

We are committed to the safety of our members. Stay safe during and after storms with these helpful tips!

Storm Safety Video

Hurricane Safety Tips!

  • Make sure flashlights, battery-powered lanterns, and other sources of light are readily available.
  • Make sure flashlights and radio batteries are fresh.
  • Make sure you have an adequate supply of medicine, first aid supplies, and baby items.
  • Keep at least a 2 week supply of bottled water, non-perishable food items, batteries, and firewood on hand.
  • If prescriptions are essential, make sure to get them refilled in case of an extended power outage or extensive damage to the area.
  • Make sure to have identification and documentation on hand, such as your social security card, driver’s license, birth certificate, and insurance information for your home, car, and life.
  • Have an evacuation plan for you and your family in case of an extended power outage.
  • Listen to weather forecasts and predictions for possible hurricanes – hurricane season begins June 1 and ends in November.
  • Make sure to get inside a building and stay away from the windows.
  • Don’t leave candles unattended and keep them away from furniture, draperies, and other flammable materials. Make sure to keep children away from open flames.
  • Don’t open freezers and refrigerators any more than absolutely necessary.
  • Listen to local radio stations for news about power outages.
  • Turn off your heating and air conditioning systems, as well as the electric range.
  • Unplug sensitive electronic appliances such as TVs, VCRs, microwave ovens, and computers – this will protect your appliances against power fluctuations that can occur when power is restored.
  • After power is restored, be sure to wait 5 to 10 minutes before turning on appliances and heating systems.
  • If power lines and poles are down in your yard or in the street, always treat them as if they are energized and dangerous. Never touch them and stay away. Make sure to call 911 immediately!
  • Debris from the storm can hide power lines that have fallen. Fallen trees that contain energized power lines can electrocute any item it come in contact with, such as a metal fence, a pond, or standing water. Even the ground can be energized near fallen power lines.
  • If your electricity is out, make sure to check with neighbors to see if they have power. If they have power, you may have blown a fuse or tripped a breaker. Never replace a fuse or reset a circuit breaker with wet hands or while standing on a wet (or damp) surface.
  • If you’re without electricity and want to use a portable generator, make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area. For more information Visit the Generator Safety Page.
  • Avoid using candles if possible. If you must, never leave a burning candle unattended.
  • If power remains out following a storm and you have to cook with Sterno or charcoal, do so outside to avoid the build-up of deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
  • Replenish your supplies of batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food items, and firewood for future hurricanes. Visit the Surge Protection page

Tornado Safety Tips

Know the Signs

Download Tornado Safety Tips (PNG)

Practice & Prepare

  • Know where you’ll meet your family during the tornado (and after)
  • Practice a tornado drill annually
  • Keep a weather radio in your storm shelter, along with safety supplies

Seek Shelter

  • Go to your basement, a small interior room, or under stairs on the lowest floor of the house
  • If you live in a mobile home, get out and look for a stable building
  • If outside, find low ground – away from trees and cars – and lie face down with your arms protecting your head

After the Storm

  • Stay away from downed power lines, and avoid flooded areas – power lines could be submerged and still live with electricity
  • Don’t enter seriously damaged buildings and avoid using matches and lighters in case of gas leaks

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Funnel, Inc.