kotsu-kotsu:**PLEASE REBLOG FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR FOLLOWERS’ SAFETY.**EVERYONE IN THE MIDWEST AND CEN

kotsu-kotsu:**PLEASE REBLOG FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR FOLLOWERS’ SAFETY.**EVERYONE IN THE MIDWEST AND CENTRAL EAST RIGHT NOW– make sure you stay safe and that you’re in a secure spot! severe storms are headed our way and for some it’s happening as you read this. it is predicted that not only will there be severe storms tonight, april eighth, but also all day tomorrow, april ninth.check the local weather channels and keep your television, if you have one, on the public service channel or a cable channel. don’t turn on a movie or netflix or whatever, because the emergency alert system can’t do it’s job if you’re watching every episode of friends and the office.remember to bring any lightweight outdoor furniture inside, especially umbrellas. if you can’t bring it inside, try bracing it against something or lashing it down if you can. remember these warning signs of severe storms and tornadoes:dark or greenish skylarge, low-lying cloudsoverly large hail (golf-ball sized)a very loud noise similar to that of a traina rotating mass of air in a cloud(usually visible because of debris picked up)sirens and weather alerts!!!don’t let the storm catch you off guard–  make sure you’re aware of the situation outside while still being safe. keep your distance from windows, sliding glass doors, sunrooms, and external structures like sheds and carports.do protect yourself and others around you! if you have a basementget into your basement as soon as you hear the tornado sirens go off, or when weather gets to a severity that you know is unsafe.if you have pets, make sure you take them downstairs with you.in addition to the above, it’s recommended that you have a first aid kit, a cell phone, and a flashlight. if you have a tv in the basement, turn it on to your local weather channel or public service channel.before you get into the safety position, if you have one in the basement, grab a mattress, couch cushion or other large, sturdy, relatively harmless BUT HEAVY object. lean this against a main wall (foundation) and get behind it. this will protect you from potential falling debris.if you don’t have a mattress, don’t go back upstairs to get one. if you have a sturdy workbench, table or other structure in your basement, take shelter underneath it.do not get in the safety position near any windows, but against a structurally important wall.get into the safety position (kneel, sit on your feet, bend and place your interlaced hands over the nape of your neck between your ears)remain in the position until you hear that it is safe or know that it is safe.if you don’t have a basementwhen you hear the sirens go off or when weather gets to the point where it’s unsafe, locate the centermost room in your house.this room should be on the lowest floor and not have windows.generally, they are interior hallways, bathrooms, pantries or closets.if you have pets, make sure you bring them with you.if you can, try bringing in a mattress, couch cushion or other large, sturdy object that can protect you from debris.houses without basements can be more dangerous to be in during a tornado so this is important.if you have one, grab a first aid kit, a cell phone, and a flashlight.turn on your tv to the local weather station so you can hear the status of the storm cell.get under the mattress or other object, having it rest either against a structural wall or over you, protecting your spine and back.get into the safety position (kneel, sit on your feet, bend and place your interlaced hands over the nape of your neck between your ears)remain in the position until you hear that it is safe or know that it is safe.if you’re in your carfirst, don’t panic.if you can drive away from the tornado or get to a safe place out of the path of the tornado, DO IT.if you can’t outdrive the tornado, abandon your car.look around for stable, sturdy buildings or shelters.these could be houses, grocery stores, restaurants, retail stores, banks, anything that could provide you with shelter.if you can find a fire or police station, try to get in it.if you can’t find shelter, stop your car and put it in park. leave your seatbelt on and bend down so that your head is below the windows.get into the safety positioncover your head and back with a blanket, sleeping bag or jacket if you have one.if you live in a mobile homewhen you notice that the weather is progressively getting more inclement AND/OR you hear sirens go off, grab, if you have one, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a cell phone, and a heavier weight jacket.if you have pets, take them with you.EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY.get to your tornado shelter, community center, or other structurally sound building.if you are unable to get to a shelter because there isn’t one nearby, lie flat in a ditch or other depression in the ground with your hands protecting your head. if you have a heavy jacket, sleeping bag, mattress or blanket, use it to protect your body and place it over you.do not take shelter under, near or by trees.if you have a disabilityif you are in a bed or chair and unable to get up without assistance, protect your body by covering yourself in blankets, pillows and comforters.if you are in a wheelchair or other type of motor-assisted chair, get yourself away from windows and into an interior room or hallway in your house. if you can, get underneath a sturdy structure like a table or desk.if there is a power outage, don’t panic!if you grabbed a flashlight, this an excellent time to use it.if the tornado has passed and you’re positive it has, and you can get glowsticks or other light sources safely and without exposing yourself to windows or unsafe conditions, do it. this works especially well if you are with small children, who will be happy for the reprieve.make sure you have technology charged. forgetting to plug in your phone can be a huge regret down the road when you want to get in contact with family or check the status of the weather.—-AFTER THE STORM HAS PASSED—-(this is copied verbatim from the NOAA.)Continue to monitor your battery-powered radio or television for emergency information.Be careful when entering any structure that has been damaged.Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves, and gloves when handling or walking on or near debris.Be aware of hazards from exposed nails and broken glass.Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed lines. Report electrical hazards to the police and the utility company.Use battery-powered lanterns, if possible, rather than candles to light homes without electrical power. If you use candles, make sure they are in safe holders away from curtains, paper, wood, or other flammable items. Never leave a candle burning when you are out of the room.Never use generators, pressure washers, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage, or camper—or even outside near an open window, door, or vent. Carbon monoxide (CO)–an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if you breathe it–from these sources can build up in your home, garage, or camper and poison the people and animals inside. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated.Hang up displaced telephone receivers that may have been knocked off by the tornado, but stay off the telephone, except to report an emergency.Cooperate fully with public safety officials.Respond to requests for volunteer assistance by police, fire fighters, emergency management, and relief organizations, but do not go into damaged areas unless assistance has been requested. Your presence could hamper relief efforts, and you could endanger yourself.——DEALING WITH INJURIES ——(again, copied from NOAA)Do not attempt to move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Get medical assistance immediately. If someone has stopped breathing, begin CPR if you are trained to do so. Stop a bleeding injury by applying direct pressure to the wound. Clean out all open wounds and cuts with soap and clean water. Apply an antibiotic ointment. Contact a doctor to find out whether more treatment is needed (such as a tetanus shot). If a wound gets red, swells, or drains, seek immediate medical attention. Have any puncture wound evaluated by a physician. If you are trapped, try to attract attention to your location. the bottom line, though: STAY SAFE AND AWAY FROM WINDOWS. -- source link

More pics about