Severe Weather Preparedness | Family Disaster Kit | Stormwatch - Weather Warning Information

What are the sirens we sometimes hear?
The Pevely Communications Center currently uses a siren system throughout Pevely and Herculaneum. This system is referred to as the Early Warning System. The Early Warning System is a network of 6 sirens throughout the two cities that are activated by the 911 Dispatcher.

There is 5 different warning messages, each warning contains a different message. They are as follows:

1. Test Message - "This is a test, this is a test of the Emergency Warning System, this is only a test."
2. Tornado Warning - (one long continuous burst)  "Tornado warning, the National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning, please tune to your local radio station for more information."
3. Hazardous Material Warning - "There has been a hazardous materials accident. Please tune to your local radio station for more information, repeat, there has been a hazardous materials accident."
4. All Clear Message - "An all clear has been issued for this area, repeat, an all clear has been issued."
5. Severe Thunderstorm Warning - (several short bursts) "Severe thunderstorm warning. A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for the area. A severe thunderstorm warning."

What do I do when I hear the siren?
First thing you should do is identify which siren you are hearing. The siren alerting the citizens of a tornado warning will be one long continuous burst. If you hear this tone, take cover immediately!

If the siren you are hearing is several short burst this is the Severe Storm Warning, which consist of over 60 mile per hour winds.

Do not call 911 unless you have an emergency during a Tornado Warning, or Severe Thunderstorm Warning. The 911 Center experiences an extreme increase of 911 calls during tornados and severe weather and cannot help those with actual emergencies if the 911 lines are busy with non-emergency calls.

What else should I know about the Early Warning System?
The Early Warning System is an outdoor system only, and commonly goes unheard when indoors. Do not assume you will always hear these sirens when you are indoors or traveling in your vehicle. It is suggested that you invest in a weather radio from a local retailer, but when doing so please make sure it receives the National Oceanographic and Aeronautics Association (NOAA) frequencies. Some of these weather radios have a built in weather alert tone that will sound if severe weather occurs within the local stations broadcast range. If you keep this radio in your home or vehicle, it may help you identify severe weather when you are not able to hear the Early Warning System.

Severe Weather Preparedness
The Pevely Police Department urges you to prepare for severe weather by reviewing Family Emergency Plans and severe weather preparedness information, developing a home disaster supplies kit and creating a Family Emergency Communications Plan.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOUR FAMILY PREPARE FOR THE STORM SEASON:

• Advance planning and quick response are the keys to surviving a tornado or severe weather.

• Designate an area in the home as a shelter, and practice having everyone in the family go there in response to a tornado threat.

• Have disaster supplies on hand, such as:

  • Flashlight and extra batteries

  • Portable, battery operated radio and extra batteries

  • First Aid Kit and manual

  • Emergency food and water

  • Non-electric can opener

  • Essential medicines

  • Cash and credit cards

  • Sturdy shoes, clothing

  Complete list for Disaster Supply Kit

DEVELOP AN EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
In case family members get separated from one another during a tornado (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are in school), have a plan for getting back together.

Ask an out of state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact".

After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance than locally.

Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.

IF AT HOME DURING SEVERE WEATHER OR A TORNADO

• Go at once to the basement, storm cellar or the lowest level of the building.

• If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or smaller inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.

• Get away from windows

• Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corner, as the tend to attract debris.

• Get under a sturdy piece of furniture such as a work bench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.

• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

IF YOU ARE IN A MOBILE HOME

• Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to strong winds in tornadoes or severe weather.

• A mobile home can overturn easily, even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit.

• When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter in a building with a strong foundation. Or, if one is not available, lie in a ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the mobile home. (Tornadoes cannot change elevation quickly enough to pick someone up out of a ditch, especially a deep ditch or culvert.)

IF YOU ARE AT WORK OR SCHOOL

• Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level.

• Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping malls.

• Again use your arms to protect your head and neck.

IF OUTDOORS

• If possible get inside a sturdy building with a concrete foundation.

• If shelter is not available, or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building.

• Be aware of the potential for flooding.

IF YOU ARE IN A CAR
NEVER TRY TO OUTRUN A TORNADO IN YOUR CAR OR TRUCK!

• Tornadoes can change direction very quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it in the air.

• Get out of the car and take shelter in a nearby building.

• If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle.

• Again, be aware of the potential for flooding.

If you plan ahead and know what to do it can save your life and the lives of your family during severe weather or a tornado.

For other links about Sever Weather Preparedness check out these website:
Federal Emergency Management Agency
American Red Cross

Disaster Kits
One way to prepare ahead of time for a disaster is to assemble a family disaster kit. This kit should contain six basics of water, food, first aid supplies, clothing/bedding, tools, and special items. Keep items you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container such as a large, covered trash can, camping backpack or a duffel bag. This should be stored in a convenient place known to all family members. Rethink your kit and family needs at least once a year and replace batteries, and update clothes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about storing prescription medications. The following is a list of suggested supplies for the kit:

• Water (stored in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles, avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles). Normally active people need to drink at least two (2) quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mother and ill people will need more. Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two for food preparations and sanitation). Keep at least a three day supply of water for each person in your household. Also keep a supply of water purifying agents in the kit. Stored water should be changed every three months so it stays fresh.

• Food, store at least a three day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, cooking or preparation. Don’t forget to pack a can opener. Stored food should be rotated every six months.

• Milk (powdered or canned)

• Vitamins

• Smoked or dried meats

• Canned meats, fruits and vegetables

• Staples (sugar, salt, pepper)

• Soups (bouillon cubes or dried “soups in a cup”)

• Stress foods (cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals)

• High energy foods (peanut butter, jelly, crackers, nuts, health food bars, trail mix)

• First Aid Kit, should have at least two (one for your home and one for each car you drive). Basic first aid kits should include:

  • Sterile adhesive bandages

  • Thermometer

  • Tongue depressors

  • 1 dozen (12) 3 inch sterile gauze pads

  • Petroleum jelly

  • Safety pins

  • 3 – Triangular bandages

  • Latex gloves

  • Non-prescription pain relievers

  • 3 rolls of 2 inch sterile rolled bandages

  • Anti-diarrhea medication

  • Needle

  • Bar of soap

  • Antacids

  • 1 dozen (12) Moist towelettes

  • Laxatives

  • Rubbing alcohol

  • 1 dozen (12) 2 inch sterile gauze pads

  • Sunscreen

  • Antiseptic spray

  • Adhesive tape

  • Scissors

  • Tweezers

  • Safety razor blade

• Clothing and Bedding should include at least on complete change of clothing and footwear per person, as well as:

  • Sturdy shoes or work boots

  • Hats and gloves

  • Rain gear

  • Thermal underwear

  • Blankets or sleeping bags

  • Sunglasses

• Tools and Supplies:

  • Mess kits or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils

  • Battery operated radio and extra batteries

  • Cash or traveler’s checks, change

  • Flashlight and extra batteries

  • Utility knife

  • Pliers

  • Tape

  • Compass

  • Matches in waterproof container

  • Aluminum foil Paper, pencil

  • Needle, thread

  • Medicine dropper

  • Whistle

  • Plastic sheeting

  • Map of the area (for locating shelters)

  • Toilet paper

  • Towels

  • Soap or liquid detergent

  • Personal Hygiene items

  • Plastic storage containers

• Special Items, for family members with special needs such as infants, elderly or disabled persons. Also consider packing small games for children and books for adults.

  • For Baby: Formula, Bottles, Medications, Diapers, Powdered Milk

  • For Adults: Heart and high blood pressure medication, Insulin, Denture needs, extra eye glasses, prescription drugs, contact lenses and supplies.

• Copies of important family documents should be packed in a waterproof portable container. These papers include:

  • Wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds

  • Passports, social security cards, immunization records

  • Inventory of valuable household goods

  • Important telephone numbers

  • Family records (birth and marriage certificates)