ARE YOU READY FORTHE NEXT BIG STORM?

GET READY WITH THESE TIPS FROM THE AMERICAN RED CROSS!

Know where to go  THE BEST WAY TO MAKE YOUR FAMILY AND HOME SAFER IS TO BE PREPARED BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES. REMOVE DAMAGED TREE LIMBS AND SECURE OUTDOOR FURNITURE. IDENTIFY A SAFE PLACE TO GATHER INSIDE WITH NO WINDOWS.

PICK A SAFE PLACE IN YOUR HOME WHERE FAMILY MEMBERS COULD GATHER DURING A TORNADO.

Have a kit on hand  ASSEMBLE A DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT CONTAINING ITEMS SUCH AS ESSENTIAL MEDICATIONS, A FIRST AID KIT, CANNED FOOD AND A CAN OPENER, AT LEAST THREE GALLONS OF WATER PER PERSON, PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, BEDDING OR SLEEPING BAGS AND A BATTERY-POWERED RADIO AND FLASHLIGHT. DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF THOSE OLDER AND YOUNGER, AS WELL AS YOUR PETS.CONDUCT PERIODIC TORNADO DRILLS TO PRACTICE.

Practice what to do  PRE-IDENTIFY SAFE PLACES FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO GO DURING A TORNADO, BOTH AT HOME AND IN THE CLASSROOM. TEACH THEM TO TAKE COVER UNTIL THE DANGER HAS PASSED.

AFTER A TORNADO, WATCH FOR FALLEN POWER LINES OR BROKEN GAS LINES AND REPORT THEM TO THE UTILITY COMPANY IMMEDIATELY.

USE THE TELEPHONE ONLY FOR EMERGENCY CALLS AND LISTEN TO THE RADIO FOR INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS.

For more information visit the American Red Cross online at www.redcross.org