Tornadoes
Tornadoes can produce winds upwards of 300 mph, and can travel across the ground at up to 75 MPH.  They can develop any time of day, any month of the year, but are most common in the afternoon and evening, and in the spring and fall. Tornadoes are most common across the Great Plains and Gulf States regions of the US.

More tornadoes occur in the United States than any other country in the world, and more tornadoes occur in Texas than any other state.

Below-ground shelters, or reinforced "safe rooms" where basements are not feasible, provide the best protection against tornadic winds.

Other options include:

• In homes or small buildings, go to the northeast corner of a basement. If a basement is not available, go to the smallest, most-interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom. Cover yourself to protect your body from flying debris.  If you have a hard hat, or sport helmets for children, get those on as soon as reasonably possible.
• In schools, hospitals, factories or shopping centers, go to the smallest, most-interior rooms and hallways on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums and warehouses. Crouch down and cover your head.
• In high rise buildings, go to the smallest, most-interior rooms or hallways. Stay away from exterior walls and windows.
• In cars or mobile homes, abandon them immediately!  Cars and mobile homes provide no protection from tornadic winds.  If you are in either of those locations, leave them and go to a substantial structure or designated tornado shelter.  Do not attempt to seek shelter beneath an overpass or bridge.  They provide little or no shelter and have proved to be deadly options.
• If caught in the open, lie flat in a culvert, ditch or depression and cover your head.  Once the tornado has passed, evacuate the area to avoid potential flooding risks.  

Lightning
Lightning is a threat anytime thunderstorms occur.  If you hear thunder, it is time to take shelter.

When inside:

• Avoid using the telephone, or other electrical appliances wherever practical.
• Do not take a bath or shower, or stand near plumbing.

If caught outdoors:

• Seek shelter in a sturdy building. A hard-top automobile can also offer protection.
• If you are boating or swimming, get out of the water and move to a safe shelter on land.
• If you are in a wooded area, seek shelter under a thick growth of relatively small trees.
• If you feel your hair standing on end, squat with your head between your knees. Do not lie flat!
• Avoid isolated trees or other tall objects, water, fences, convertible cars, tractors and motorcycles.

Flash Floods
Flash flooding develops quickly. It can occur anywhere, along rivers or creeks, in low water crossings or in a dry stream bed.  Flash flooding can be deceptive.  Flood waters are likely deeper and moving faster than you think.

When driving:

• Avoid low water crossings.
• Use alternate routes to avoid flood prone areas.
• Leave your vehicle immediately if it stalls in flood waters.
• Move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
• Most cars and light trucks will begin to float in as little as 12 inches of water.
• Act quickly, rising waters make vehicle doors difficult to open.

If you are outside:

• Everyone, especially children, should stay away from flooded creeks, streams or drainage ditches.
• Swiftly flowing water can quickly sweep away even the strongest swimmers.
• Soggy banks can collapse, dumping you into flood waters.

Cold Weather Safety Tips

When you are outside, frostbite and hypothermia are possible so you need to protect yourself.

1. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.
2. Wear a hat. Try to stay dry and out of the wind.
3. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
4. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.

Ice Safety
Driving in wintry weather?  Please visit this informative link - https://www.txdot.gov/safety/severe-weather/snow-and-ice.html

To keep pipes from freezing on an outside wall:

1. Let hot and cold water trickle or drip at night from a faucet.
2. Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or near an outer wall.
3. Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees
4. If you plan to be away: (1) Have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing, or (2) drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems).

If Pipes Freeze:

1. Make sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst.
2. NEVER try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch. Use a hair dryer instead.
3. Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent, deadly killer claiming about 1,000 lives each year in the United States.

1. Install a carbon monoxide detector.
2. NEVER run generators indoors.
3. Open a window slightly when using a kerosene heater and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. NEVER use a gas oven to heat your home.
5. If your heat goes out, you can keep warm indoors by closing off rooms you do not need, dressing in layers of lightweight clothing, and wearing a cap.

Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and heaters:

1. Always keep a screen around an open flame.
2. NEVER use gasoline to start your fireplace.
3. NEVER burn charcoal indoors.
4. Do not close the damper when ashes are hot.
5. Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Animal and Pet Safety:

1. Bring pets inside
2. Provide shelter and fresh water
3. Keep salt away from paws

Vehicle Preparation:

1. Check your battery
2. Check your fluids (coolant, wiper fluid, oil, etc)
3. Check your tires
4. Have jumper cables
5. Pack a blanket

For More information please see:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/cold-wind-chill-chart
http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-
storm.html