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Greensburg - American Planning Association

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It is best to have one plan if you need to<br />

stay inside, a second if you can’t stay<br />

inside, and a third if you need to leave<br />

the neighborhood. In addition to being<br />

prepared before and during a tornado<br />

or severe storm, it is important for you<br />

and your family to be aware of the<br />

threats still present after a storm has<br />

passed. Listen to the radio for<br />

information and instructions. Use a<br />

flashlight to inspect your home for<br />

damage. Do not use candles at any time.<br />

Watch out for fallen power lines and<br />

stay out of damaged areas, and make<br />

sure that you do not re-enter structures<br />

that may be unsafe.<br />

The City should help educate the<br />

community on the components of a<br />

successful plan:<br />

• Know the warning signs: what the<br />

difference is between a warning and<br />

a watch and how will the City alert<br />

citizens if things are getting<br />

progressively worse.<br />

• Know the safe places to go in your<br />

home in case of any type of<br />

emergency.<br />

• Know where public storm shelters<br />

are located throughout town.<br />

• Create a disaster supply kit and keep<br />

it up to date.<br />

• Practice your plan regularly,<br />

especially during the tornado<br />

season.<br />

• Maintain safety after a storm.<br />

Make sure you have prepared a Disaster<br />

Supply Kit of items necessary for taking<br />

care of yourself and your family for a<br />

few days. According to the Red Cross<br />

these kits should include:<br />

• A First aid kit and essential<br />

medications<br />

• Canned food and can opener<br />

• Three gallons of bottled water per<br />

person<br />

• Protective clothing, bedding, or<br />

sleeping bags<br />

• Battery-powered radio, flashlight,<br />

and extra batteries<br />

• Special items for infant, elderly, or<br />

disabled family members<br />

• Written instructions on how to turn<br />

off electricity, gas, and water if<br />

authorities advise you to do so<br />

(Remember, you’ll need a<br />

professional to turn natural gas<br />

service back on)<br />

Safe Places to Go<br />

• City storm shelter<br />

• Safe room<br />

• Basement or other Underground<br />

shelter<br />

• Small interior room (bathroom,<br />

closet or hallway) on the lowest<br />

floor, and under a sturdy piece of<br />

furniture.<br />

hazard mitigation 59

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