CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — Clarion County commissioners and the Department of Public Safety stressed weather preparation for severe weather conditions.

“We are seeing the start of severe weather conditions across the country producing flooding, high winds, and tornados,” said David Dunn of Clarion County OES Tuesday to Clarion County Commissioners.

“These same conditions will affect Clarion County. We are reminding citizens to keep posted on the most current weather information by staying tuned to the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS includes radio stations WCCR 92.7 FM Clarion; WCUC 91.7 FM Clarion; WOWQ 102.1 FM Dubois; WMKX 105.5 FM Brookville or WWCH 1300 AM Clarion.”

The following press release included weather preparation recommendations:

Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a flooding, thunderstorm or tornado hazard.

• A flood, thunderstorm or tornado watch means there is a possibility of flooding, thunderstorm or tornado in your area.
• A flood, thunderstorm or tornado warning means that flooding, thunderstorm or a tornado are occurring or will likely occur soon. If you are advised to take shelter, do so immediately.

Be prepared:

For information on preparing for a disaster visit Department of Public Safety website at www.clarioncountyoes.com. Go to Site Menu and select Public Information. Public information materials are also available at the Commonwealth website www.readypa.org.

• Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
• Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood.
• It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
• You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare, and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one.
• If you live in a flood-prone area, learn flood warning signs and your community alert signals.
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe windstorm/thunderstorm.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
• In the United States, lightning kills 300 people and injures 80 on average, each year. All thunderstorms produce lightning, and all have the potential for danger.
• Lightning’s risk to individuals and property is increased because of its unpredictability, which emphasizes the importance of preparedness. It often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening.
• Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning:
  • Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection.
  • If underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
  • In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
  • Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris.
  • A vehicle, recreational vehicle or manufactured home does not provide good protection. Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible.
  • If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
  • Plan to stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed.

Get an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights, and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car. This kit should include:

1. Copies of prescription medications and medical supplies;
2. Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows;
   1. Bottled water, a battery-operated radio and extra batteries, a first aid kit, a flashlight;
   2. Copies of important documents: driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.