Governor David A. Paterson has proclaimed the week of April
27 - May 3, 2008 as Weather Hazards Awareness Week in the
Empire
State.
NOAA's National Weather Service joins the Governor in
partnership with the agencies of the New York State
Disaster Preparedness Commission...local agencies,
volunteer agencies, and private sector organizations in
urging all New Yorkers to learn how to protect themselves
from the hazards of flooding, tornadoes...and severe
thunderstorms.
There are several steps you can take before...during and
after a storm to keep safe this spring and summer.
Before a storm, develop a plan for you and your family at
home, school, work, and when outdoors. Identify in advance
a safe place to take shelter. Conduct frequent drills.
Know what action you will take when a warning is issued.
Know the county where you live. The National Weather
Service issues warnings on a county basis. Know where to
tune to receive the latest weather information.
During severe weather, postpone outdoor activities if
thunderstorms are imminent. Move to a sturdy building or
car. Stay away from tall objects such as towers, isolated
tall trees and telephone poles. If caught outdoors, find a
low spot. Make sure your choice is not susceptible to
flooding. If in the woods, take shelter under smaller
trees. If you are boating or swimming, seek shelter on
land immediately.
If a Tornado Warning is issued, move to a place of safety,
preferably a basement or interior room. Stay away from
windows. Get as low to the ground as possible. Cover your
head. If caught outdoors and a tornado threatens, lie flat
in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your
hands. Be aware of flying debris. Flying debris causes
most fatalities and injuries during a tornado. Mobile
homes offer little protection from a tornado. Evacuate
your mobile home and move to your designated place of
safety.
After the severe weather has cleared, get medical care
quickly at the nearest hospital. If the power is out, use
flashlights, not flammable objects such as candles,
torches, or lanterns.
Report broken utility lines to the authorities. Boil
drinking water before use. Do not visit disaster areas.
Your chances of remaining safe during severe weather are
greater if you follow these safety rules. You should
prepare now for the upcoming severe weather season.
www.nws.noaa.gov 
