During the Disaster
Tornadoes
and Violent Thunderstorms
Warm and rapidly-changing weather patterns make Middle Tennessee ideal for tornadoes and violent thunderstorms.
If you are home when a tornado watch or warning is issued for your area:
- Go the lowest level of your home immediately
- Stay away from windows
- Use your arms to protect your head
If you are driving or away from shelter when a tornado watch or warning is issued:
- Find shelter immediately
- Never try to out drive a tornado
- Get out of the car immediately, and take shelter in a nearby building
- If there is no shelter, lie in a ditch or low-lying area, and use your arms to protect your head
Flooding
Heavy
rains can cause flash flooding in streams and tributaries
with little warning, and create potentially dangerous situations
for residents, motorists and pedestrians. In fact, most
flood-related casualties are due to underestimating inherent
dangers. Flood waters less than knee deep can easily sweep
you away, and shallow levels of water over a road can float
a vehicle. To avoid potentially dangerous situations during
flooding:
- Do not try to drive or walk through flood waters
- Take the safest routes possible
- Avoid taking any unnecessary risks
- If you have to evacuate or travel on the road, take your emergency kit
Severe Winter Weather
Severe winter weather takes many forms in Middle Tennessee: heavy snow, ice storms, extreme cold, sleet and icy driving conditions. Here are some tips to help you survive severe winter weather:
- Keep your emergency kit handy
- Travel only when necessary, and do not travel alone
- Wear several layers of clothes, a hat, mittens and waterproof shoes
- Be careful when heating your home because heating-related house fires occur often during the winter
Chemical Releases
Chemicals
and hazardous materials are a part of our every day life
- whether being moved through neighborhoods on roadways
and rail lines, or stored in our garages and under the
kitchen
sink. On most days, hazardous materials are used, stored
and transported all over the city without incident. But
the potential for an explosion or chemical spill is always
there. If an explosion or chemical spill does occur,
you
may be asked to evacuate or shelter in-place - remain
inside. Often, sheltering in-place is the safest option
and here's what you should do:
- Go inside, and don't forget your pets
- Listen to the radio or television for instructions
- Turn off air conditioners, heaters, fans, etc.
- Shut all doors and windows tight
- Do not use fireplaces. Extinguish any fire and close the dampers
- Do not use the phone, unless it is an emergency
If an evacuation is ordered, you should take the following steps:
- Take your emergency kit, and be sure to get medications, diapers and other essentials
- Take your pets and enough food and water for your animals
- Tune the car radio to a local news broadcast
- Follow all traffic instructions
- As
soon as you are out of danger, call your family's emergency
contact to let them know that you are safe