General Safety Instructions

 St. Clair County is regularly impacted by a number of natural hazards such as tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, lightning, floods, and winter storms. The St. Clair EMA provides the following information and protective action recommendations for your safety during these emergency or disaster situations.

TORNADOES - A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Keep up to date with the latest weather information by listening to local radio stations, watching area TV stations, or monitoring your Emergency Alert Radio. 

A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar and you should seek shelter immediately. Remember that tornadoes can occur without warning!

• If you are at home, go to the lowest floor in the center of the house. Basements offer the best protection. Interior small rooms such as closets or bathrooms offer good protection. Try to get under something sturdy such as a large piece of furniture. Avoid windows and large rooms such as the living room. Do not open windows. 
• If you are at work or school, designated shelters are best. Avoid windows and large open rooms such as auditoriums, lunchrooms, and gymnasiums.
•  If you are in a shopping center or mall, a designated shelter area or the center of the building on the lowest level is best. Avoid large open rooms or windows. Do not go to your car.
• If you are in your car or mobile home, leave immediately and go to a more substantial structure. If no shelter is available, lie flat in a ditch and cover your face with your hands or blankets. Be alert for possible flash flooding. 
• Act quickly. You may have only a few seconds to save your life. 

WINTER STORMS - Winter storms occur less frequently here than in other parts of the country , but are just as dangerous when they do. Because they are not as frequent, we usually are not as prepared as we need to be. If a Winter Storm Warning is issued: 

• Prepare ahead of time. Do not wait until the storm arrives. Road conditions may prevent safe travel.
• Have a portable radio, fresh batteries, adequate food and water, and warm clothing. 
• Check your Disaster Supply Kit and restock if needed.
• Have available some type of safe emergency heating equipment sufficient for at least one room. Use caution, common sense and proper ventilation when using devices such as oil lamps and kerosene heaters. NEVER USE A CHARCOAL FIRE AS AN INDOOR HEAT SOURCE.
• If you have no heat, close off all unneeded rooms. Wear several layers of light clothing. Place blankets or quilts over windows at night. Listen to local EAS radio and TV stations for additional instructions and information.

FLOODS & FLASH FLOODS - Floods claim many lives every year. Flood waters only one foot deep can sweep you off your feet. If you live in a flood-prone area, be prepared. Determine your nearest safe area above floodwaters. Develop an evacuation plan. Remember that many roads, bridges, and other areas may be covered by floodwaters. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for long-term flooding, longer than six hours. A Flood Warning means flooding is occurring or is very likely, and is expected to last more than six hours. A Flash Flood Watch means a sudden flood could occur within minutes or hours of heavy rainfall or a dam or levee break, but is expected to last less than six hours. A Flash Flood Warning means flash flooding is occurring or is extremely likely, and you should take immediate action if you are in a flood prone area. If there is a possibility of any type of flooding in your area, you should: 

• Turn off your utilities if your home is likely to be flooded.
• Fill your car's gas tank.
• Evacuate if you are told to do so, and take your Disaster Supply Kit with you.
• Leave low-Iying areas immediately and move to higher ground.
• Stay out of flooded areas. Water may be rising and fast-moving. Less than one foot of fast moving water can sweep an adult off their feet. 
• If you are driving, stay away from creeks and open ditches. NEVER DRIVE INTO WATER OF UNKNOWN DEPTH. NEVER DRIVE AROUND BARRICADES. They are there for your protection.
• If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
• Be especially cautious at night, when flood dangers are much more difficult to see.

THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING - Every thunderstorm contains lightning. You do not have to be directly under the cloud to be struck. Follow the 30/30 Rule - the first 30 means you need to take cover if you hear thunder within 30 seconds of seeing the lightning; the second 30 means you should wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash or thunder clap to resume outdoor activities. 

• If you can see or hear a thunderstorm, take cover in a house, large building or automobile.
• Stay away from lakes, streams and rivers. If you are boating or swimming, get to land immediately.
• Stay away from all metal objects such as fences, power lines, bicycles, farm equipment, water faucets, bathtubs, etc.
• Stay away from high places, open fields, isolated trees and tall objects such as flagpoles, towers, bleachers, etc.
• Avoid using the telephone except in an emergency.
• If caugt in an open area without shelter, go to the lowest area, such as a gully, drainage ditch or depression and lie down. Be alert for flooding in these areas. 
• If you feel your hair stand on end,  drop to your knees immediately, bend forward and put your hands on your knees.  Do not put your hands on the ground. DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND.