Get warnings
Have at least two ways: phone emergency alerts turned on, a NOAA Weather Radio, and local TV or radio. A warning that wakes you up at night can save your life.
Safety & preparedness
We chase so you don't have to.
The best time to get ready is before the storm is on radar. Here's what to do before, during and after.
If you are under a warning, do not go look. Follow official instructions from the National Weather Service and your local emergency management. In an emergency, call 911.
Before
Be prepared.
Make a plan
Know your shelter spot for tornadoes, your evacuation zone and route for hurricanes, and where your family meets if you're separated.
Build a kit
Water (1 gallon per person per day, several days), food, medications, flashlights, batteries, phone power banks, first aid, copies of documents, cash, and supplies for pets.
Know your risk
Find out if you live in a flood zone or a hurricane evacuation zone. Mobile homes and vehicles are not safe in tornadoes or hurricanes.
Protect your home
Trim trees, secure outdoor items, and know how to shut off utilities. Photograph your belongings for insurance.
Check on people
Know which neighbors or family members may need help: older adults, people with disabilities, families without a car.
Watch vs. warning
Know the difference.
Be ready
Conditions are favorable for dangerous weather. Review your plan, charge your phone and know where you'll go.
Act now
Dangerous weather is happening or about to. Take shelter or evacuate as instructed right away.
During
In the storm zone.
Get low, get in
Go to the lowest floor, in an interior room away from windows: a closet, bathroom or hallway. Cover your head. Leave mobile homes and vehicles for a sturdy building if you can do it safely.
Evacuate if told
If officials order an evacuation, leave. Otherwise, shelter in a sturdy building away from windows. Don't go outside in the calm of the eye: the wind returns from the other side.
Turn around, don't drown
Never drive or walk into flood water. Six inches of moving water can knock you down, and about a foot can float many cars. Roads under water may be washed out.
When thunder roars, go indoors
If you can hear thunder, you're close enough to be struck. Stay inside until 30 minutes after the last thunder.
After
The danger isn't over.
- Stay away from downed power lines and report them to your utility.
- Never run a generator indoors or in a garage. Carbon monoxide kills.
- Avoid flood water: it can hide debris and live wires, and it's often contaminated.
- Wait for the all-clear before returning to an evacuated area.
- Document damage with photos before cleanup, for insurance.
How our team stays safe
ACES
We follow the National Weather Service's spotter safety principles.
Awareness
Know where the storm is, where it's going and what it can do.
Communication
Stay in contact with each other and keep a way to get warnings.
Escape routes
Always know at least one way out, and never let water cut it off.
Safe zones
Know where shelter is before you need it.