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Seasonal Hazards

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:

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. 

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