Be ready for action

May 13, 2009 07:44 pm

— THE ISSUE: Storm safety.
OUR VIEW: For the sake of your family, be prepared for severe weather.
It rained again Wednesday. And if it’s not raining this morning, it probably will.
Farmers wonder when they’ll be able to plant corn. We wonder when we can mow our lawns.
It’s been that kind of spring.
The National Weather Service reported a chance of thunderstorms Friday and Saturday, and a slight risk of severe weather for Friday.
It’s a good time to determine whether you and your family are prepared for a strong storm.
Before severe weather breaks out, the Northern Indiana Public Service Co. suggests Hoosiers do the following:
• Put together a “storm preparedness kit” – medications you require, non-perishable food items, water, a flashlight, a portable radio, a manual can opener. Place this kit where your family can easily retrieve it, and make sure everyone knows where it is.
• Have an evacuation plan. Compile the phone numbers of family or friends you can stay with in case of an emergency. Make sure you have a map – you might need to take an alternate route if major roads are closed.
• Ensure your shrubs and trees don’t need trimming. Also, remove items near your home that could become airborne – toys, trash cans, patio umbrellas.
• Fill your gas tank. Pumps don’t work if electricity is out, and neither do ATM machines. Have cash on hand.
During a storm, NIPSCO says:
• Monitor radio or television for storm information.
• Pick a place where your family can gather if a tornado is headed your way – a center hallway, bathroom – and stay away from windows.
And if a storm knocks out power:
• Avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer. Food will stay frozen in a fully loaded freezer for 36 to 48 hours if the doors remain closed.
• Keep candles away from furniture and draperies.
• Disconnect or turn off appliances. But leave a light on so you’ll know when power is restored.
We hope such storm tips aren’t needed this spring. But for the safety of your family, be prepared to take action.