Spring is here and with that comes severe weather, tornadoes and flooding. The Firefighters, Paramedics and Staffs of the Emergency Services of St. Charles County want our citizens to be safe during severe weather. Thunderstorms can form at any time during the year. These storms can be severe with hail, high winds and torrential rains. Also, accompanying these severe storms is the potential for Tornadoes. Tornadoes, like Thunderstorms can form any time of the year. They can and do occur in every state in the country. In the United States tornadoes are more prevalent from April through July, with May and June being the peak months. These storms can strike with little or no warning and be disastrous to those without a plan.

This is why the Emergency Services of St. Charles County want every family in St. Charles County to put together and practice a “Disaster Plan” for their family. Schools, Businesses and Homes regularly practice Fire Drills, Fire Escape Plans and Disaster Drills. Having a Disaster plan for severe weather for your home will make you better prepared for any disaster, big or small. The plan should include where the family members go if they are at home, school, work, outdoors or in a car when a flood, severe thunderstorm, or tornado warning is issued. Along with the “Disaster Plan”, every household should put together a “Disaster Kit”. There are numerous web-sites and articles on what should be included in a kit.

Example Disaster Kit: (Do not include candles, which can cause fires)

• Battery Operated Radio, Flashlight, Extra Batteries Drinking Water – 3 gallons/person - Additional water for sanitation 
• A good First Aid Kit 
• Food – Min. 3-day supply of non-perishable food. Examples: Dry Cereal, Canned Fruits and Juices, Energy Snacks, Ready-to-eat soups and canned meats. 
• Toilet Paper, Disinfectants, Household Chlorine bleach, Garbage bags, Personal Hygiene supplies, soap and paper towels.
• Make sure the Families Medical needs are addressed
• Extra Clothing and Bedding
• For Families with Babies or young children – Be sure to have extra formula, bottles, powdered milk, diapers and medication.
• Family Pets will need food, leashes/harnesses and current I.D. tags

The items in this disaster kit can be amassed over a 3 to 5 month period of time. Families should also have important family documents for the home, family members and pets in a safe place where they can get them in a disaster.

After the storms have passed and the weather settles, residents need to be aware of the dangers that lurk hidden in the debris. These can include downed electrical power lines (possibly energized), nails or sharp debris and wild animals. Many people are injured or killed each year by these hidden dangers. Always consider any downed wire as energized and keep everyone away from them.

Other dangers during severe weather are Lightning and Flooding. According to the National Weather Service, there are an estimated 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes each year. While some people are struck by lightning directly, others are struck as the current moves in and along the ground from a close strike. Remember if you here thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning and should go to a safe building immediately. Like Lightning, Flooding is often associated with severe weather. It is either flash flooding from sudden torrential rain or run-off flooding of low areas with poor drainage. Both of these can be deadly. Flash Flooding occurs over a short period of time, usually only several hours or less. During severe weather and heavy rains, people living in low areas prone to flooding should move to higher ground. Never drive in to areas or on flooded roads, two feet of water can float most vehicles.

For more information about how to locally prepare for your family’s safety during severe weather, please contact your local Fire District or Department. The National Weather Service and the Weather Channel are also good sources for general information on all types of weather. For more information you can contact the Central County Fire and Rescue Fire Prevention Bureau at 636-970-9700