Fall Weather Safety
Safety
Know your risk, take action, and be a force of nature! Our Fall Weather Safety resource is designed to keep you informed and prepared for the season's challenges. From droughts to wildfires, floods to hurricanes, we offer essential tips for staying safe and resilient in the face of extreme weather.
Flooding can happen with little warning, so it's important to be prepared beforehand. Learn if your home, school, or workplace is at risk of flooding and plan alternative routes to these locations. Have a family communications plan and prepare to evacuate if authorities issue an order. During a flood, never attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters. Instead, evacuate immediately if instructed, seek higher ground, and stay informed through local media or mobile alerts. After a flood, avoid damaged areas, heed road closures, and wait for the "all clear" before entering flood-damaged structures. Use text or social media to contact loved ones, keeping phone lines open for emergencies.
Strong winds, whether from straight-line winds or powerful storm systems, can cause significant damage. Straight-line winds, often associated with severe thunderstorms, can reach up to 125 mph, causing damage like tornadoes. High winds can knock down trees and power lines, and make driving hazardous, particularly for larger vehicles like semi-trucks. Dust storms, another wind-related hazard, can reduce visibility to near zero. If caught in a dust storm while driving, pull over, turn off your lights, set the parking brake, and remove your foot from the brake pedal. In the event of a high wind warning, stay indoors and away from windows. If you’re outside, seek shelter inside a sturdy building and avoid trees, power lines, and objects that could blow around.
Wildfires, often caused by human activity or lightning, require proactive prevention and quick response. When camping, always stay with your fire and ensure it is fully extinguished before leaving. Be cautious when burning debris, keeping fires small and avoiding burning on windy days. Before wildfire season, plan your evacuation routes and choose fire-resistant building materials and plants. If ordered to evacuate, follow official instructions, stick to identified evacuation routes, and leave immediately if time is short. If you encounter a wildfire, leave the smoke and flames without stopping to take pictures, and contact emergency services.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe this fall!
Fall Weather Hazards:
- Drought
- Floods
- Fog
- Hurricanes
- Wildfire
- Wind
Drought
During drought conditions, it's essential to conserve water both outdoors and indoors. Water your lawn sparingly, preferably in the early morning or late evening, and mulch around trees and plants to minimize evaporation. Fix leaky sprinklers and ensure they only water your lawn, not the house or sidewalk. Indoors, conserve water by turning it off while brushing your teeth or shaving, taking shorter showers, and fixing leaky faucets and toilets. Washing full loads of laundry and using excess clean water for plants can also make a difference. Consider installing low-flow showerheads to reduce water usage further.
Floods
Flooding can happen with little warning, so it's important to be prepared beforehand. Learn if your home, school, or workplace is at risk of flooding and plan alternative routes to these locations. Have a family communications plan and prepare to evacuate if authorities issue an order. During a flood, never attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters. Instead, evacuate immediately if instructed, seek higher ground, and stay informed through local media or mobile alerts. After a flood, avoid damaged areas, heed road closures, and wait for the "all clear" before entering flood-damaged structures. Use text or social media to contact loved ones, keeping phone lines open for emergencies.
Fog
Driving in fog can be dangerous, so it's important to take precautions. Slow down when you encounter fog and use your low-beam headlights. Avoid changing lanes or passing other vehicles unless necessary. If you need to pull off the road, turn off all lights except your hazard flashers, set the emergency brake, and remove your foot from the brake pedal to ensure your taillights aren’t illuminated, which could prevent other drivers from crashing into your vehicle.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes pose a significant threat during the fall season, especially in coastal areas. Start by determining whether you live in a hurricane storm surge evacuation area and assess your home’s vulnerability to flooding, wind, and storm surge. It’s also important to understand the different types of watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Prepare by assembling an emergency supply kit, including pet items, and ensure you have cash. Make a family emergency plan and secure your home by removing outdoor items that could become projectiles, boarding windows, and reinforcing your garage door. Before evacuating, have a clear strategy, including where you’ll go and what you’ll pack. Listen to evacuation orders and leave early to avoid congestion. After the storm, avoid floodwaters, be cautious when cleaning up, and operate generators outside, away from windows, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Wind
Strong winds, whether from straight-line winds or powerful storm systems, can cause significant damage. Straight-line winds, often associated with severe thunderstorms, can reach up to 125 mph, causing damage like tornadoes. High winds can knock down trees and power lines, and make driving hazardous, particularly for larger vehicles like semi-trucks. Dust storms, another wind-related hazard, can reduce visibility to near zero. If caught in a dust storm while driving, pull over, turn off your lights, set the parking brake, and remove your foot from the brake pedal. In the event of a high wind warning, stay indoors and away from windows. If you’re outside, seek shelter inside a sturdy building and avoid trees, power lines, and objects that could blow around.
Wildfires
Wildfires, often caused by human activity or lightning, require proactive prevention and quick response. When camping, always stay with your fire and ensure it is fully extinguished before leaving. Be cautious when burning debris, keeping fires small and avoiding burning on windy days. Before wildfire season, plan your evacuation routes and choose fire-resistant building materials and plants. If ordered to evacuate, follow official instructions, stick to identified evacuation routes, and leave immediately if time is short. If you encounter a wildfire, leave the smoke and flames without stopping to take pictures, and contact emergency services.Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe this fall!