Watches vs. Warnings
Watch: Issued when conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop
Warning
: Issued when severe weather is occurring. A tornado or severe thunderstorm has been
detected by radar or has been seen by a trained
spotter
Tornado Safety
- Ohio averages about 16 tornadoes each year
- On average, 5 people are killed by tornadoes in Ohio each year
Tornado Safety
- Monitor watches and warnings
When warning is issued:
- Head to basement or interior room on lowest level
- Abandon mobile homes
Lightning Safety
When inside:
- Stay away from windows
- Avoid using the telephone or other electrical appliances
- Do not take a bath or shower
Lightning Safety
If caught outdoors:
- Go to a shelter immediately
- If you feel your hair standing on end, squat down and place your head between your
knees.
- DO NOT LIE FLAT!
Flash Flooding
- No. 1 weather-related killer in U.S. aside from heat-related deaths
- About 140 deaths each year in U.S.
Flash Flood Safety
When inside:
- If ordered to evacuate, leave immediately and get to higher ground
If caught outdoors:
- Go to higher ground immediately
- Do not allow children to play around streams, ditches or other flooded areas
If in a vehicle:
- DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED AREAS!
- Majority of flash flooding deaths involve people driving through flooded
areas
