Spring
- Tornadoes
- Flooding
Summer
- Thunderstorms & Lightning
- Outdoor Fire Danger
Fall
- Prepare Your House for Colder Weather
Winter
- American Red Cross Winter Storm Safety Page
- Winter Weather
- Ice Covered Water
Tornadoes
During a Tornado:
- Seek Shelter: Head to the lowest level of your building, avoiding windows. Basements, interior hallways, and bathrooms are safest.
- In Public Spaces: Follow signs to designated shelter areas.
- On the Road: Exit vehicles or mobile homes for a sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch, covering your head and neck.
- Protect Yourself: Use heavy furniture or a bathtub for shelter, covering up with a blanket to shield from debris.
Strengthen Your Home:
- Inspections: Ensure your home is wind-resistant.
- Reinforcements: Install wind straps and safety film on windows.
- Safe Room: Consider building a FEMA-approved safe room.
- Secure Entrances: Strengthen garage and entry doors.
- Roof Maintenance: Brace gable framing to secure the roof.
- Clear Yard: Remove potential flying debris and trim trees.
Flooding Safety & Preparedness
Stay Alert:
- Be vigilant during heavy rain or thunderstorms, particularly at night.
- Know your area’s flood potential, especially if near waterways.
- Avoid flooded areas, and never attempt to cross floodwaters on foot or by car.
Protect Your Home:
- Ensure your sump pump is functional.
- Anchor propane tanks.
- Consider flood insurance for your property and belongings.
- Relocate valuables and appliances from flood-risk areas like basements.
- Raise utilities above potential flood levels – consult with your utility company.
Thunderstorms & Lightening
If You’re Indoors:
- Stay inside; delay outdoor activities.
- Unplug non-essential electrical devices.
- Avoid using wired appliances and telephones, unless in emergencies.
- Refrain from bathing or showering during a storm.
If You’re Outdoors:
- Find shelter in a sturdy building or a hard-topped vehicle.
- Keep away from metal objects, tall structures, and water bodies.
- In wooded areas, seek low ground under small trees.
- In open spaces, find a valley or ravine and crouch low; spread out if in a group.
- Leave golf courses immediately.
Protect Your Home:
- Consider installing a lightning protection system.
- Use surge protectors for individual appliances or whole-house protection.
- Ensure your home is properly grounded.
Outdoor Fire Dangers
Assess the Risk:
- Consider weather conditions: warmth, dryness, and wind can increase fire risk.
- Always check local fire danger levels before using fire pits or fireworks.
Stay Informed:
- Use resources to make safe decisions regarding outdoor fires, including the Outdoor Fire Danger Guide
- Refer to the Central Indiana Fire Danger Forecast for local updates.
- Check the Observed National Fire Danger Map and Forecasted National Fire Danger Map
- Consult the IDHS Statewide Burn Ban Map for current restrictions.
Prepare Your House for Colder Weather
Furnaces:
- Conduct an operational check before it gets cold.
- Expect a slight odor when turning it on for the first time each season.
- Schedule regular professional maintenance to avoid dust buildup and carbon monoxide risks.
- Change your furnace filter monthly.
Fireplaces:
- Check for and remove any obstructions in your flue pipe.
- Schedule an annual professional chimney cleaning.
- Ensure the damper is open before lighting a fire.
- Use only dry, seasoned wood.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for artificial logs.
- Never burn paper or use flammable liquids.
Cooking:
- Never leave stovetop cooking unattended, especially when using oil.
- Avoid using high heat to warm oil.
- Have a lid ready to cover and extinguish small pan fires.
- Prioritize evacuating over fighting a fire.
- Never use water on grease fires; use a fire extinguisher if confident in its use.
- Keep ovens clean and do not open the door if a fire occurs inside; turn off the heat and call 911.
Outdoor Cooking:
- Operate grills and turkey fryers outside, away from structures.
- Monitor turkey fryers closely.
Candles:
- Maintain a safety zone around candles.
- Blow out candles before leaving a room.
- Use battery-operated or electric candle warmers as safer alternatives.
Winter Weather
Stay Safe Indoors:
- Avoid unnecessary outdoor trips.
- Keep updated with local weather alerts.
- Use heating sources like fireplaces and heaters safely to prevent fires and carbon monoxide risks.
- Conserve heat by closing off unused rooms, sealing drafts, and insulating windows.
Stay Warm Outdoors:
- Dress in layers, prefer mittens, and cover your head and mouth.
- Stay dry to reduce the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Avoid strenuous activities like shoveling to prevent overexertion.
Driving in Winter:
- Drive with caution and keep your car winter-ready.
- If stranded, stay in your vehicle, use the heater intermittently, crack a window for fresh air, and keep the dome light on.
- See more winter safety tips on Fishers DPW’s Snow & Ice Control page
Winter Preparations:
- Insulate pipes and let faucets drip in subzero temperatures to prevent freezing.
- Install proper insulation and weather stripping at home.
- Maintain battery-powered devices and check heating fuel levels.
- Ensure working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Keep your car’s gas tank full and store an emergency kit inside.
Ice Covered Water: Caution Around Neighborhood Ponds
Stay Safe:
- Never assume ice on ponds is safe.
- Prevent children and pets from walking on frozen ponds.
- If someone ignores warnings, contact authorities.
If an Incident Occurs:
- Do not attempt a rescue on the ice; it’s hazardous.
- Immediately call 911 for professional assistance.
- Use long objects or a rope from the shore to help the victim stay afloat.
Be Prepared:
- Keep simple rescue tools like a rope or a rake with a floatable item attached at hand if you live near a pond.
Remember: Ice-covered water can be deceptive. Always prioritize safety and be prepared for emergencies.