Washington County: What You Should Know For Severe Weather

WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN — Washington County partners with the Minnesota Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and the National Weather Service to promote severe weather preparedness.

Severe Weather Awareness Week Daily Topics:

• Monday- Alerts and Warnings
• Tuesday- Severe Weather, Lightning, and Hail
• Wednesday- Floods
• Thursday- Statewide Tornado Drill Day
• Friday- Extreme Heat

Being prepared for an emergency can be overwhelming, so take it one small step at a time and you will be prepared in no time. An easy, inexpensive way to be prepared is to have a Communication Plan.

Your family may not be together when an emergency happens so it is important to plan in advance. You can start by asking yourself these questions:

• How will you get to a safe place?
• How will you contact one another?
• How will you get back together?
• What you will do in different situations?
• What would you do if cell phone towers were down and you could not use your cell phone?

Helpful Hint: If cell phones are working, send a text message unless you are in immediate danger. Texts often have an easier time getting through during emergencies and you do not want to tie up phone lines needed by emergency responders (like 911).

Alerts and Warnings information:

• NOAA Weather Radio
• Personal Weather Alerts
• Siren Activation Information
• Types of Warnings

Image via Ricardo Faria, Flickr, used under Creative Commons