Boone County Sheriff's Office

2012 Severe Weather Preparedness Week

March 14 2012 | PDF | Print | E-mail

For Immediate Release Boone County Emergency Management Agency

Contact:

Mike Martin, Director -765-483-4428

Governor Mitch Daniels has proclaimed March 18 through 24, 2012 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana.

The National Weather Service, in conjunction with the Indiana State Police, Indiana Homeland Security, the Department of Education, the Broadcasters Association, the American Red Cross, Amateur Radio Operators and Boone County public service agencies, including the Boone County Emergency Management Agency, will conduct statewide and local tests of communication systems on Wednesday, March 21 between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM EDT and between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM EDT. The goal of Severe Weather Preparedness Week is to better educate people about the hazards of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, and to help everyone be prepared should severe weather occur. If weather postpones the tests, make-up drill day is Thursday, March 22 at the same times. A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The average forward speed is 30 mph but may vary from nearly stationary to 70 mph.TORNADO SAFETY TORNADO SAFETY IN HOMES OR SMALL BUILDINGS:Go to the basement (if available) or to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom. Wrap yourself in overcoats or blankets to protect yourself from flying debris. IN SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, FACTORIES, OR SHOPPING CENTERS:Go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums and warehouses. Crouch down and cover your head.
IN CARS OR MOBILE HOMES: ABANDON THEM IMMEDIATELY! Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If you are in either of those locations, leave them and go to a substantial structure or designated tornado shelter. IF NO SUITABLE STRUCTURE IS NEARBY:Lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression and use your hands to cover your head. More useful severe weather preparation and safety information is available at: getprepared.in.gov

Weather Planning

March 01 2012 | PDF | Print | E-mail

The recent and tragic weather in the midwest are a reminder that we should plan for events to occur in our neighborhood.

Make sure you are aware of your surroundings. Consider the purchase of a weather alert radio. Download a local weather application and weather radar for your "Smartphone."

The National Weather Service has valuable information for you planning on their web site.

Review your tornado drill with your family.

Have flashlights at the ready in the event power fails.

To take from the Boy Scouts: BE PREPARED!

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