Indiana is notorious for changing weather. Spring brings rain and threats of tornados to the entire state. Monroe County has had many severe tornados tear through its towns in the recent years. Now is the time to prepare your home and family for the forthcoming season with a few tips from your local fire department. Guidelines on this site were taken from local weather channels severe weather guides. For further information on the different types of severe weather refer to your local weather or news station and their web site.

WATCH vs WARNING
A watch is intended to make you aware that there is a possibility for severe weather in a certain area. You and your family should be aware of changes in the weather.
A warning is issued when severe weather is happening. A tornado warning is broadcasted when a tornado has been sighted or is indicated by radar. If a warning is issued in your area take precautions immediately to protect yourself and your family.

Often severe weather happens with little to no warning. It is important to talk to your kids and have a plan and route of escape. Teaching your children the importance of severe weather safety now may prevent a deadly outcome.

Tornado
In the event of a tornado:
Stay away from windows
Seek shelter in a basement, first floor bathroom, closet or room at the center of your house
Position yourself under a sturdy piece of furniture and cover your head with a
blanket or pillow
If in a public area, avoid areas with a wide, free-span roof
Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car. Leave the vehicle and seek shelter. In open country lie flat in a ditch and cover your head with your hands.
Highway overpasses do not provide shelter from tornado winds
Be aware of flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes is responsible for most fatalities
and injuries
Mobile homes provide little protection in a tornado. Even if tied down the mobile home cannot withstand the powerful winds of a tornado. Leave the home immediately and seek shelter in a nearby sturdy building. If there is not enough time, lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands
Some signs of approaching tornado may include: dark,often greenish sky, large hail or a loud roar similar to the sound of a freight train

Severe weather is much more than just tornados. Flooding, lightning and high winds are also reasons to stay alert during the spring.

Flooding
Flash flooding is extremely dangerous. Flooding kills nearly twice as many people each year as tornadoes and hurricanes combined. Being in a vehicle during a flood puts you in even more danger.
What to do:
Avoid/leave areas subject to flooding
Avoid areas that are already flooded. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams
Do not attempt to cross flooded roads, the road bed under the water
may not be intact. Find another route
Never drive through flooded roadways. The level of the water can be deceitful
If your vehicle stalls in flooded water, leave it immediately and see higher ground.
The rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and sweep it away
Be even more cautious at night when it is more difficult to recognize flood dangers
Keep your children away from high water, storm drains or viaducts

Lightning
Deaths due to lightning are higher than tornados. In the United States alone there are an average of 93 deaths and 300 injuries yearly. When thunderstorms are near postpone
outdoor activities.
When lightning is imminent:
seek shelter immediately
stay away from tall objects
do not take a bath or shower during a thunderstorm
avoid using electrical appliances
turn off air conditioners and unplug any unnecessary appliances
use phones only in an emergency

What to do when no shelter is available:
If you feel your skin tingle or you hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground
DO NOT LIE DOWN!
Find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles. If you are in the woods, take shelter under shorter trees
If you are boating or swimming, find shelter on land immediately

High Winds
Winds of 55 mph and higher can cause significant danger even when no tornado is present. The same precautions that are taken for tornadoes should be taken for high winds.