SAFETY ALERT: How to stay safe during severe weather

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - As storms head to the CSRA area, we’re on your side with how you can plan ahead.

How to stay safe in the event of a tornado:

• Go immediately to your tornado-safe place when a warning is issued. Your safe place should be the lowest floor of whatever structure you are in and with as many walls between you and the outside. A basement is the best option for a tornado shelter. A mobile or manufactured home is not a safe shelter during a tornado warning.
• Be sure to cover your head to protect from debris, a helmet is best. The leading cause of death from a tornado is blunt force trauma to the head. A mattress or pillows are also good for protecting your body.
• If you are in a vehicle and unable to get to a sturdy structure the National Weather Service recommends to “either get down in your car and cover your head, or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine.”
• Hard-soled shoes are recommended in case you have to climb over debris.
• After a tornado es it is important to stay away from down powerlines or areas of water.

How to stay safe during a severe thunderstorm warning:

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means immediate action needs to be taken.

• Seek shelter indoors when a thunderstorm approaches
• Have multiple ways to get watches and warnings (WRDW Weather App)
• Wait 30 minutes before returning outdoors after thunder roars
• Avoid bodies of water and trees
• If you are driving safely pull over until the storm es or dive to a sturdy structure if possible

Be sure to have multiple ways to receive warnings during an event of severe weather. DO NOT RELY ON OUTDOOR SIRENS.

For more tips on preparation, read our weather blog.

Make sure to follow the First Alert Weather Team for any updates.

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