SEVERE WEATHER

Introducing ReadyWake Weather Alerts!

Severe weather events can jeopardize the safety of residents and their property. Unfortunately, you can’t prevent these events from happening, but you can prepare by setting up emergency weather alerts.

ReadyWake weather alerts leverages Weather Decision Technologies (WDT) to automate location-specific severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service to help keep everyone informed and safe.

Monitor the forecast

Listen to your local radio or TV station for weather forecasts and emergency information. If the weather becomes dangerous, you will be given instructions on how to protect yourself, your family and your property.

High winds and tornadoes

• If you are indoors, move away from windows.
• If you are outdoors, move into a building.
• If you are driving, pull off the road and away from trees. Stay off of overpasses. Get out of your vehicle and find a sturdy structure or low-lying area, such as a ditch.

Floods and hurricanes

• Be ready to leave your home if necessary.
• Take your home emergency kit with you.
• Stay away from floodwaters. Make sure children stay away from floodwaters.
• Do not walk or drive through flooded areas. You or your car could be swept away

Snow and ice

• Do not drive unless it is absolutely necessary.
  If you must drive, keep an emergency kit in your car, use extreme caution and be sure your fuel tank is full.
  When driving or walking, be aware of black ice and reduce your speed.
• If you are exposed to cold weather, watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
  If you notice slurred speech, confusion, shivering that will not stop or body temperature lower than
  96 degrees Fahrenheit, seek medical attention immediately.
• In the case of power loss, use caution with alternative methods for heating your home or cooking.
  Do not use generators, grills or fuel-burning heaters in your home, garage or any other enclosed spaces.
  Do not use a stove or oven to heat your home. These items can produce poisonous gases that could kill you.

Shelters

In the event of an emergency, Wake County may choose to open shelters. The type of emergency and area affected will determine how many and which shelters will be opened. Before going to a shelter, listen to local TV and radio stations for the location of shelters opened in Wake County.

After the storm…

Electrical safety

• Stay away from downed power lines.
• If you have a generator, do not run it inside your home or garage.
• Do not hook up a generator to your home’s electrical service unless
  your house is specifically equipped with a proper generator connection.

Additional safety measures

After the storm, emergency officials may need to communicate
additional safety measures to you.