Emergency Warning
When disaster strikes, you may have only a short time to make what might be a life or death decision. We cannot predict exactly where or when they will occur, but you can take precautions to minimize the danger. One of the most important things you can do is to be aware a danger is present. For this reason, it is important you understand the warning system.
Village of Lake Delton Warning System
The Village of Lake Delton warning system consists of multiple components. We recognize that no one application can provide warning to all citizens. As a result, we take a systematic approach, understanding the advantages and limitations of each component.
Severe Weather Watches and Warnings
The National Weather Service is responsible for issuing all severe weather alerts. The National Weather Service, when issuing severe weather alerts, uses the terms “Watch” and “Warning.” Knowing the difference between a “Watch” and a “Warning” is very important.
Severe thunderstorm watch – conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms. It is important to think about where you will be during the lifetime of the watch. If you are outdoors, develop a plan to include directions to the nearest shelter.
Severe thunderstorm warning – means a severe storm is imminent: occurring or about to occur. It is important to get to safety immediately. Severe winds- gusts of 58 mph or more – can down trees and power lines.
Tornado watch – atmospheric conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. It is important to think about where you will be during the lifetime of the watch. If you are outdoors, develop a plan that includes directions to the nearest tornado shelter. If you are indoors, think about where you should go in the event of a tornado.
Tornado warning – means a tornado is imminent: occurring or about to occur. It is important to get to safety immediately.
Suggestions
Following significant storm events, people often report the storm hit “with no warning.” This is tragic, but it is only very rarely true. Major storm events are usually preceded by a Watch issued hours in advance, and a Warning issued when dangerous weather is imminent. Advance warning time is available, if people receive the information and take appropriate action.
A warning system can only be effective if you actually receive the information. No single warning method is perfect and no warning method is guaranteed never to fail.
We strongly recommend that you consider the following:
- Do something to assure you are able to receive warning information when issued.
- Have a backup.
- Purchase and use a weather alert radio.
- Only rely on the sirens for outdoor warning.
- Verify that the Wireless Emergency Alert feature is enabled on your smart phone.
- Set up a weather warning app on your smart phone.
- Turn to broadcast radio or television for details and follow-up information.
Sheltering
Severe weather may occur suddenly and leave little time for action. Stay alert to weather conditions and be prepared to move to shelter if needed.
Remember, when severe weather strikes:
- Go to the nearest shelter or best available refuge area.
- Stay tuned to radio or television stations for further weather statements.
- Remain inside until the severe weather threat has ended.
Sheltering Options
- In a House With a Basement
Avoid windows. Get in the basement and under some kind of sturdy protection (heavy table or workbench), or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. Know where very heavy objects rest on the floor above (pianos, refrigerators, waterbeds, etc.) and do not go under them. They may fall down through a weakened floor and crush you.
- In a House With No Basement
Avoid windows. Go to the lowest floor, small center room (like a bathroom or closet), under a stairwell, or in an interior hallway with no windows. Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down; and cover your head with your hands. A bath tub may offer a shell of partial protection. Even in an interior room, you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding (mattress, blankets, etc.), to protect against falling debris in case the roof and ceiling fail.
- In an Apartment, Dorm or Condo
If you live in an apartment that is on an upper floor, get to the lowest level of the building that you can immediately. This could be an underground parking garage or a neighbor’s first floor apartment. Then move to the most interior area possible, away from windows.If you live in a high-rise apartment building, you may not have enough time to get to a lower level, so picking a place in the hallway in the center of your building is the best idea such as a stairwell. If that is not available then a closet, bathroom or interior hall without windows is the safest spot in your apartment during a tornado. Power loss during a tornado storm is common, so avoid elevators and keep a flashlight handy.
- In an Office Building, Hospital or Store
Follow instructions from facility managers. Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building — away from glass and on the lowest floor possible. Then, crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter, and if not crowded, allow you to get to a lower level quickly. Stay off the elevators; you could be trapped in them if the power is lost
- In a Mobile Home
Get out! Even if your home is tied down, you are probably safer outside, even if the only alternative is to seek shelter out in the open. Most tornadoes can destroy even tied-down mobile homes; and it is best not to play the low odds that yours will make it. If your community has a tornado shelter, go there fast. If there is a sturdy permanent building within easy running distance, seek shelter there. Otherwise, lie flat on low ground away from your home, protecting your head. If possible, use open ground away from trees and cars, which can be blown onto you.
- At a School
Follow the drill! Go to the interior hall or room in an orderly way as you are told. Crouch low, head down, and protect the back of your head with your arms. Stay away from windows and large open rooms like gyms and auditoriums.
- In a Car or Truck
Vehicles are extremely dangerous in a tornado. If the tornado is visible, far away, and the traffic is light, you may be able to drive away from its path by moving at right angles to the tornado. Otherwise, park the car as quickly and safely as possible — out of the traffic lanes. Get out and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If in the open country, run to low ground away from any cars (which may roll over on you). Lie flat and facedown, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which can accelerate the wind while offering little protection against flying debris.
- In The Open Outdoors
If possible, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If not, lie flat and facedown on low ground, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Get as far away from trees and cars as you can; they may be blown onto you in a tornado.
- In a Shopping Mall, Large Store or Stadium
Listen for instructions from building security. Watch for others. Move as quickly as possible to an interior bathroom, storage room or other small enclosed area, away from windows. Move away from any glass.
- In a Church or Theater
If possible, move quickly but orderly to an interior bathroom or hallway, away from windows. Crouch facedown and protect your head with your arms. If there is no time to do that, get under the seats or pews, protecting your head with your arms or hands.