Severe Weather Awareness Week Tornadoes: Watch vs Warning

March 10 - 14 is Severe Weather Awareness Week. Are you prepared if severe weather strikes? Stay informed about the various possible weather events we could experience here in Chesapeake.

Tornadoes: Watch vs Warning

A tornado can cause significant damage to a community's infrastructure, woodlands, and inhabitants. Tornadoes may not happen often here in Chesapeake, but don't let your guard down. There are steps you can take to be prepared, including knowing the difference between a watch and a warning. During a watch, weather conditions have the potential to produce a tornado formation, but a storm has not been spotted yet. When there is a tornado watch, you should charge your phone, gather supplies and check your emergency kit, locate a battery-powered radio (including a NOAA Weather Radio), and stay connected through Chesapeake Alert. A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted and it is time to take action by seeking shelter immediately. Learn more about staying safe from tornadoes.

Thunderstorms

As thunder roars, go indoors. Thunderstorms often bring high winds, significant rain, a threat of hail, and lightning. To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, check local weather alerts, stay indoors, avoid standing near trees or other overhead hazards, secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture prior to a storm, don't use electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet, avoid running water, and if traveling, take it slow and be cautious of debris, fallen power lines, and trees on the road. If your vision is obscured due to heavy rain, safely pull over until vision is restored. Always avoid driving down a flooded road. Learn more about thunderstorms and lightning.

Flash Flooding: Turn Around, Don't Drown

Floods are the most common natural disasters. They can happen anytime and anywhere it can rain, including an area not in a flood zone. Avoid walking through flood waters as this may expose you to health hazards and hidden safety risks. If you are in your car during a flash flood, turn around, don't drown. Avoid driving through water as it may be deeper than it appears.

Please also note that no home is 100% safe from the risks of flooding. If you're not covered by insurance, you could be stuck paying out of pocket for costly damage. Flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period between the time it's purchased and the time coverage is active. Don't wait until it's too late. Consider flood insurance today. Visit FloodSmart.gov or talk to your insurance agent. Check your flood zone and find more flood resources.

Outdoor Weather Safety

Practice outdoor safety during inclement weather. When a storm strikes, stop outdoor activities, seek immediate shelter, check local alerts and warnings, and wait 30 minutes after the storm ends to resume activities. Always be aware of high winds and their ability to unexpectedly pick up loose items, projecting them considerable distances. Weather safety is not just for storms, but for extreme temperatures. When temperatures are extremely cold or hot, limit your time outdoors. During winter weather, dress in warm layers, covering exposed skin to reduce the risk of frostbite or hypothermia. During excessive heat, stay hydrated, avoid high-energy activities, learn the signs of heat stroke and exhaustion, and be aware that many medications can exacerbate the effects of extreme heat. Check on your elderly and home-bound neighbors to see if they need anything.