PEMA Urges Residents to be Better Prepared for Disasters

HARRISBURG – Marking the start of hurricane season and noting recent tornado outbreaks, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is urging all residents and local governments to act now to be better prepared for severe weather.

“The unusually high number of tornadoes seen this spring is an urgent reminder of the need to take weather warnings seriously as we head into hurricane season,” said PEMA Director Glenn M. Cannon. “Pay attention to all National Weather Service watches and warnings and develop a family plan that identifies evacuation routes and a place to meet in case your family gets separated.”

Unlike hurricanes, tornadoes can strike with little or no warning. That’s why it’s essential to pay attention to weather conditions and be ready to take shelter quickly. PEMA offers the following tornado safety tips:

• Before the tornado occurs, have a plan that allows communication with your family and identifies a safe and secure shelter location;
• Be on alert for signs of a tornado which can include strong winds and a possibility of precipitation. Tornadoes typically pick up debris and form a visible cloud in the shape of a funnel.
• Take cover in the basement. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
• If you are in an apartment, move to a hallway or if possible move to a hallway on the lowest level of the building.
• Avoid doors and windows. Do not open windows.
• If in vehicle, trailer, or mobile home, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
• If outside with no shelter, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
• Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.
• Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.  

“Planning and preparedness could save your life and the lives of loved ones,” Cannon said. “Individuals and families need to have a communication plan in place in order to contact or find each other. As the storm approaches, residents should listen to and closely follow instructions from local and state authorities.”

Help may not be immediately available when severe weather strikes, so residents should always be stocked with enough provisions to last at least 72 hours. Have disaster preparedness supplies on hand, including:

• Flashlights and extra batteries;
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries;
• First aid kit and manual;
• Emergency food and water;
• Non-electric can opener;
• Essential medicines/prescriptions;
• Cash, credit cards and important legal documents; and
• Sturdy shoes.

If residents are ordered by local officials to evacuate, they should do so without hesitating and should take copies of important papers with them. Take along:

• Checkbooks;
• Driver’s license;
• Credit card information;
• Birth certificates;
• Social security cards; and
• Other forms and documents proving ownership/identity.

For more information on how to make a disaster supply kit and how to prepare for all kinds of emergencies, please visit www.readypa.org.

Cannon also advised municipal governments to prepare for severe storms and flooding by performing regular inspections and removing debris from drainage systems.  Municipalities are encouraged to look for accumulated debris, roadway settlement, cracks or tilting in structures and significant erosion of embankments.

Since there is no guarantee that a flood will result in a federal disaster declaration, PEMA recommends documenting inspections and debris removal with date-stamped digital photos and maintenance logs to illustrate prior conditions and to demonstrate regular maintenance of municipal infrastructure.  

If flooding occurs, residents should not drive over roads and bridges that are under water. Only 12 inches of moving water can sweep away the average vehicle.  

Cannon noted that the beginning of hurricane season is a good time to review insurance policies for adequate coverage on property. PEMA encourages Pennsylvanians to buy flood insurance policies for homes, businesses and municipal property that can be insured. Early preparation is important because flood insurance policies generally require 30 days before taking effect.  

Unlike wind damage, damage caused by rising water is not covered by homeowner’s or business insurance policies. Flood insurance coverage must be purchased separately. Most insurance companies and licensed insurance agents handle flood insurance policies.  

For more information about flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov. To protect your property with a flood insurance policy, call your insurance agent or call 1-800-427-2419 to find an agent near you.