Preparing for inclement weather or assistance during and/or after a severe weather event.
Cooling and Warming Centers Planning for periods of severe cold or heat: During a heat emergency, cooling centers may be available at various points around Madison County. Cooling Centers List During a cold emergency, warming centers may be available at various points around Madison County. Warming Centers List |
|
Severe Weather Severe weather is typically associated with thunderstorms in Madison County, however “severe” can occur any time of the year — spring, summer, fall or winter. Know the difference between the terms:
One of the most important steps is to sign up to receive warnings and alerts. Also, visit the National Weather Service’s website for up-to-date weather predictions. Severe weather can happen at any time and anywhere. Practice your emergency plans regularly so that everyone in your home or office knows what to do when a severe weather warning is issued. |
|
Flooding Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Some floods develop slow over a period of days or weeks, while others may come on in a “flash.” Floods are the most common natural disaster and flash flooding is the most dangerous type. Since 1980, flood damage in the U.S. has on average cost more than $4 billion every year. The best way to stay safe from flash flooding is to be prepared, heed warnings and stay away from flood waters. Information on Madison County Flood maps and reports are available at the Southwestern Illinois Flood Prevention District Council and the U.S. Corps of Engineers, St. Louis. http://www.floodpreventiondistrict.org/ Information about flood preparedness and cleanup can be found at: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) https://www.fema.gov/ |
|
Earthquakes |
|
Tornadoes Know the difference between the terms:
During a Tornado: Take shelter immediately in a storm cellar, basement or the lowest level of the building. If there is no basement, go to a small interior room with no windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Remember to stay away from outside windows! Get under a piece of sturdy furniture, such as a workbench or heavy table and hold onto it. If sturdy furniture is not available, make yourself the smallest target possible. Squat low to the ground. Put your head down and cover your head and neck with your hands. If in a mobile home, get out and seek shelter elsewhere, well before the storm arrives. If there is not a substantial shelter nearby, go to a low-lying area and shield your head with your hands. If you are outside, get inside a substantial building as soon as possible on the lowest floor, away from windows and doors. If you are in a vehicle, do NOT park under a bridge or overpass. Immediately exit the vehicle in a safe manner and take shelter in a nearby building. Never try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. As a last resort, if you are outside and there isn't time to get indoors or if there is no secure shelter nearby, lie flat in a ditch, culvert or low-lying area away from vehicles. For more information, visit: Severe Preparedness Guide Tornadoes | Ready.gov |
|