MOUNT VERNON – Spring ushers in beautiful weather but also the chance for severe storms that can shut off power, block streets with debris and cause thousands of dollars in home repairs.
In response to Ohio Severe Weather Awareness Week, the Mount Vernon Fire Department shared a few preparedness and safety tips in a press release issued this week.
“Practicing home tornado drills, identifying safe places in the home to take refuge and preparing an emergency safety kit are all ways to help stay safe and mitigate a severe weather storm emergency,” MVFD Fire Chief Chad Christopher said in the release.
The United States experiences more tornadoes than any other country. In 2019, Ohio ranked 10th in the nation in the number of tornadoes. In 2020, the National Weather Service reported Ohio had 20 tornadoes, with April being the month with the most storm activity.
Practicing a home tornado drill with everyone in the family is very important. An acronym to remember when practicing a tornado or sheltering drill or during a storm warning is DUCK!: D – go Down to the lowest level, U – get Under something, C – Cover your head, K – Keep in shelter until the storm has passed.
Also, preparing an emergency safety kit/bag that you can quickly grab and take with you when sheltering is a great idea. Items to place in your kit/bag are flashlights, extra batteries, first-aid kit, water, food, extended battery pack charger for phone, and a whistle to signal for help. Other items can be included in your kit as you feel necessary.
Other safety tips to follow: If using a generator, run the generator a safe distance outside away from your home, use correct-sized extension cords and do not overload circuits. If using candles for lighting, never leave unattended and keep all combustibles at least three feet away.
Early notification of a severe storm event is critical to ensuring safety.
“Severe Weather Awareness Week is a great time to review your Emergency Plan and Emergency Kit,” said Knox County EMA Director Mark Maxwell. “It is also a great time to sign up for Knox County’s Emergency Alerts.” Signups for Knox Alerts are available by going to the Knox County Emergency Management Facebook Page (facebook.com/KnoxOhioEMA) and clicking on the Sign Up button.
Please reach out to Mount Vernon Fire if you need help to develop a severe weather emergency plan. Please stay safe during this year’s storm season and throughout the year.
