Are you prepared for it?

Last week you may have heard a handful of sirens for tornado drills or perhaps you participated in a fire drill. This was all due to Ohio's Severe Weather Awareness Week. This past week sheds light on the many emergency situations that may arise when having to deal with weather-related situations.

It's good to take part in exercises that will prepare you for severe weather. Ohio has been known to be subjected to tornados, flooding, thunder and lighting, power outages, high temperatures, and general winter weather. In case of any of these situations, be sure to take the correct shelter and precautions to ensure your safety. Don't forget about your pets either!

Emergencies can happen inside your home too! Every year, more than 2,500 people die from home fires. Having a plan in case of a fire breaking out is always a good idea! Some good tips are:

-Find two ways to get out of each room just in case your primary escape is blocked.
-Make sure that windows are not stuck and that screens can be taken out quickly.
-Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark with your eyes closed.

Remember, emergencies can happen at any moment. If you stay ready, then you won't have to get ready.

Links to help you get prepared:

-To see OACHC's Emergency Preparedness Resources for health centers, click here!
-Also, you can contact Ashley Ballard at aballard@ohiochc.org if you have any questions!
-National Weather Service Safety Tips: www.weather.gov/safety
-Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness: www.weathersafety.ohio.gov
-National Safety Council, Emergency Preparedness: www.nsc.org
-Plan Ahead for Disasters: www.ready.gov
-CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response: emergency.cdc.gov/