The best way to minimize the impact of a natural disaster is to be prepared.

The American Red Cross has great information on how to prepare.  View their website by clicking below.

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While wildland fires are the most common threat in our area, they are by no means the only threat!

Flash Floods

Flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and wihtout any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that caries rocks, mud and other debris and can sweep many things away in its path. Very small streams, creeks, culverts, gullies and even dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can be ideal spots for flash floods.

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

• Listen to the radio/television and view the internet for information. 
• Keep an eye on conditions outside. You may see important signs before they are reported in the media.
• Be aware of where flash floods may occur and be ready to evacuate those areas on a moment's notice.
• If there is any possibility that flash flooding may occur, move to higher ground immediately! Do not way for instructions to move.

If you are driving when flood conditions are present:

• Do not drive in flooded areas. Less than six inches of water can cause most vehicles to lose control and twelve inches of water will cause many vehicles to float. Two feet of rushing water can carry away even SUV's and pick-up trucks
• If floodwaters arise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.

Tornadoes:

Tornadoes are violently rotation columns of air that can descend in a funnel shape and usually occur during the early stages of rapidly developing thunderstorms. They can contain winds up to 300 miles per hour. Although most tornadoes that occur in the U.S. are along the front range of the Rocky Mountains, the western states and the plains, they can occur anywhere.

"Tornado Watch": A tornado watch is issued when the weather conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms that may cause tornadoes.

"Tornado Warning": A tornado warning means that a tornado has been observed in the area.

During a "Tornado Watch":

• Be alert to changing weather conditions.
• Listen to local Emergency Alert System, radio/TV stations and monitor the internet for changes.

During a "Tornado Warning":

• Be very aware of weather conditions around you.
• Listen to local Emergency Alert System, radio/TV stations and monitor the internet for changes.

During a Tornado:

• If you are inside: Go to a basement or inner hallway on the lowest level of the building you can quickly and safely reach and get under sturdy furniture or go inside a closet or bathroom.
• If you are outside: Go into a building and stay away from windows and doors. Crouch low and cover your head and neck. If no building is available, get into a ditch, culvert or low-lying area and lay flat, covering the back of your head with your arms. Watch out for flash flooding.
• If you are in a car: Move from the car if there is time to safely do so into a sturdy building. If no such building is available, find a low-lying area and lie flat while covering the back of your head with your arms. If there is no time to safely leave the vehicle then park the car with your seat belt on and put your head below the level of the windows. Cover your head with your arms/hands and with a blanket/coat/tarp if possible to protect yourself from flying debris and broken glass. Avoid seeking shelter under bridges.
• If you are in a mobile home: Get out! Move to a permanent, sturdy building. Most tornadoes can destroy even tied-down mobile homes.

After a Tornado:

• Keep your family together. Carefully render aid to those who are injured. Stay away from power lines and puddles with wires in them. Watch your step to avoid broken glass, nails, and other sharp objects. Stay out of heavily damaged buildings. Avoid using matches or lighters in case of leaking natural gas lines or fuel tanks nearby. 
• Remain calm and alert, and listen for information and instructions from emergency crews.