This week marks Severe Weather Awareness Week in Ohio
During this week we ask all Cuyahoga County citizens to be aware that Spring brings the increased possibility of flooding, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and associated hazards such as hail, high winds, and lightning strikes.
Additionally, as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, the annual Statewide Tornado Drill will be held TODAY, Wednesday March 18th, at 9:50am. Accordingly, participating public safety agencies, businesses, and schools may be testing their emergency alert systems at this time, including outdoor sirens and mass notification systems.
Know When and Where to Shelter
It is encouraged that all Cuyahoga County residents practice their severe weather sheltering plans, whether for their home or workplace. If you do not have a severe weather shelter plan, start by identifying a safe location in your home and workplace. This is likely a basement or an interior room such as a bathroom or stairwell. Additional tornado safety guidance is attached to this email.
Remember, a TORNADO WATCH means that current conditions make a tornado possible. You should know where you will go to shelter if needed and gather any emergency supplies.
A TORNADO WARNING means that a tornado is happening or is about to happen. You should move to your shelter location IMMEDIATELY.
Stay Informed
Staying informed regarding severe weather is one of the best ways you can keep yourself and your family safe. Receiving accurate and timely emergency information from reliable sources ensures that you can take action when it matters most.
In Cuyahoga County, there are multiple ways you can receive severe weather and emergency information:
• ReadyNotify: ReadyNotify is the mass notification system used by Cuyahoga County and participating communities. Sign up for severe weather alerts and emergency information based on the communities you live and work in.
• NOAA Weather Radio: 24/7 broadcast of weather and emergency information on an “All Hazards” network. The National Weather Service, Federal, State, and Local Emergency Managers, and other public officials may broadcast warnings and emergency information.
• TV and Radio: The Emergency Alert System (EAS) requires radio and TV broadcasters to allow emergency messages to interrupt scheduled broadcasts. Messages may appear as a screen crawl or display showing emergency information.
• Outdoor Warning Systems: Sirens are used by some communities in Cuyahoga County and are intended to be heard while outdoors. You may not hear them if you are indoors, in a vehicle, or asleep. Check with your local officials to determine whether your community uses sirens.
To learn more about severe weather hazards in Ohio and how you can stay safe and be prepared, visit Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness | Ohio.gov.