[W3GV] Officials Urge Thunderstorm and Flood Safety This Week

[Ucdavid--- via W3GV]

Officials Urge  Thunderstorm and Flood Safety This Week 
NWS Issues Flash  Flood Watch for 28 Ohio Counties 
COLUMBUS,  OH – This week  is National Lightning Safety Awareness Week. Not 
only are citizens encouraged to  know what to do before, during and after 
severe thunder and lightning storms,  but they should prepare for all summer 
weather hazards, including tornadoes and  floods. 
Residents in Brunswick,  Medina County continue cleanup efforts after last 
night’s tornado and severe  storms. The National Weather Service (NWS) 
confirmed that either a high EF-1 or  low EF-2 tornado touched down, damaging 
several homes. 
Strong thunderstorms and  high winds downed trees and caused power outages 
in central Ohio. This morning  the NWS issued a flash flood watch until 10 
p.m. tonight for the  following counties: Ashland, Ashtabula, Crawford, 
Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga,  Hancock, Holmes, Huron, Knox, Lake, Lorain, Lucas, 
Mahoning, Marion, Medina,  Morrow, Ottawa, Portage, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, 
Stark, Summit, Trumbull,  Wayne, Wood, and Wyandot. A flash flood watch means 
that there is a risk or  potential for rapid flooding to occur.  
Remember: Summertime is  peak season for thunderstorms, flooding and 
tornadoes. Preparedness for all  severe weather is crucial.   
The National Weather  Service and State Officials suggest taking the 
following severe weather safety  measures: 
Be Informed – Watch  for Developing Thunderstorms. Listen to local weather 
reports  on the radio or television stations. Know the difference between 
storm watches  and storm warnings. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio with tone 
alert that sounds  and notifies when hazardous weather is in or near your  
area. 
Have a Plan. Before a flood,  plan and practice an evacuation route. Know 
ahead of time where to go if you  need to leave your home quickly. Ensure you 
have your disaster supply kit  stocked and ready to go in case you must 
evacuate. Ensure the household’s  emergency communication plan is updated. If 
advised to evacuate, do so  immediately. 
Turn Around Don’t Drown  ™. Avoid flooded  areas, especially if the water 
is flowing quickly.  Never attempt to cross  flowing streams; road beds may 
be washed out under the flood waters. NEVER drive  or walk through flooded 
roadways or flowing flood water. If a bridge or overpass  is closed, do not 
attempt to cross it. 
Practice Safety after  the Storm/Flood. Listen to local alerts and  warning 
systems to receive information on assistance that may be provided by the  
county, state or other organizations. 
·        Play it safe. Additional flooding  or flash flooding could occur. 
Listen to local weather reports for storm warning  and information. 
·        If you had to evacuate your home,  only return when authorities 
indicate it is safe. 
Additional Flood Safety  Information is as follows:  
Cleanup 
·        Mold is a likely  problem in flooded homes. Mold has the potential 
to affect the health of all  family members. It is important to remove all 
water and fix any leaks before  cleaning. Clean hard surfaces with a 
solution of bleach and water; make sure to  ventilate the area when using chlorine 
bleach. Wear a filter mask and gloves to  avoid contact with the mold. Let 
the bleach and water sit for 15 minutes and  then dry the area thoroughly. 
Wet, porous materials, such as carpeting,  wallboard, insulation, wallpaper 
and furniture should be discarded because they  remain a source of mold 
growth. 
·        Use fans and  dehumidifiers to air and dry out the home. If the 
weather permits, open doors  and windows. 
Food  Safety 
·        Food that comes in  contact with flood water can also pose a 
serious health risk. The Ohio  Department of Health (ODH) recommends throwing 
away any product if there is any  doubt about its safety. 
·        ODH also recommends  throwing away home-canned goods if the tops 
have been exposed to flooding. Food  in paper containers, cloth or cardboard 
packaging that has been exposed to flood  water should also be discarded, 
along with soft drinks and condiments using  capped containers. 
Water  Safety 
·        Flood water may  contain various bacteria, viruses and other 
infectious organisms that may cause  disease. Flood water may also contain fecal 
material from overflowing sewage  systems.  
·        If you have a  private well, run cold water for about 30 minutes 
to allow the well to recharge  naturally. Do not save the water. Have the 
well disinfected and tested before  drinking or using for cooking. If you must 
use tap water, boil it vigorously for  at least one minute. If you cannot 
boil it, add 16 drops of bleach to each  gallon of water. Mix thoroughly and 
allow to stand for 30 minutes. This method  should be used only with water 
that is clean in appearance and free of  odors. 
·        Don’t let children  drink or put toys in flood waters. If your 
child shows any signs or symptoms of  illness after being in flood waters such 
as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea,  contact your physician as soon as 
possible. If you cannot make it to your  physician, go to the nearest hospital 
emergency room. 
For additional weather  safety information, visit the Ohio Committee for 
Severe Weather Awareness  website: _www.weathersafety.ohio.gov_ 
(http://www.weathersafety.ohio.gov/) .  
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