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©2007 codeReady Minnesota.
Severe Weather Checklist
Be Prepared
Create a codeReady Plan that includes a Stay Plan and a Go Plan (which one you use will depend on the type of
weather and shelter you are in).
Build a 1-week codeReady Kit.
Keep a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio in your codeReady Kit to hear
emergency broadcasting information in the event of severe weather.
Dress for the current weather, wearing layers of loose, warm clothing, a hat, gloves or mittens and good boots in
cold weather. In summer, loose, light-colored clothing, sunglasses and sunblock are your best protection against
heat stroke. Drink sufficient water in either situation. If your home heating or air conditioning is unavailable, youll
need the right clothing combination.
Go to the lowest level of your home, in a central location, away from windows, if tornadoes or straight-line winds are
predicted for your vicinity.
Leave mobile homes for underground shelters and leave vehicles for a ditch or low-lying area.
Coping with Extreme Heat
Slow down; reduce strenuous activities.
Dress in lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Drink plenty of water. Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
Spend more time in air-conditioned places.
Dont get too much sun.
Eat smaller meals more often. Avoid using the stove/oven.
Keep lights low or off.
NEVER leave anyone (infants, children, elderly adults or pets) alone in cars.
Coping with Extreme Cold

For your home:
Close shut-off valves and open all exterior faucets.
For pipes prone to freezing, leave a nearby faucet dripping on the coldest nights.
If youre away from home, have a neighbor check on your house daily.
Be prepared with back-up heat sources (firewood, space heater)
Dont use kerosene heaters in an enclosed space.
Dont heat up the car in the garage with the garage door closed.
Close the chimney damper when not in use.
©2007 codeReady Minnesota.
Keep snowmelt and a snow shovel on hand.
Check to make sure storm windows and other windows are closed and latched.
Make sure attic insulation does not cover eave or soffit vents.
Check for drafts around doors and windows and replace weather stripping when necessary.
Close curtains at night to help insulate windows.
Minimize the use of kitchen and bath exhaust fans.
For your car:
Use sandbags or other heavy objects to add weight to the trunk of rear-wheel drive vehicles.
Place sand, cat litter or brown paper bags in trunk to help with traction on ice.
Keep windshield scrapers, flashlights, candles and matches on hand.
Keep items on the Emergency Car Checklist in your trunk.
Install snow tires or carry chains.
Keep the gas tank at least half full at all times.
Check the windshield wiper fluid every time you get gas.
Get a cigarette lighter adapter to extend the charge of your cell phone.
Coping with Lightning and Thunderstorms
Before a storm:
Remove dead and rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.
Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule: Go inside if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing
thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
If a thunderstorm is likely:

Postpone outdoor activities.
Go inside a home, building or hard top vehicle. Remember that rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires do not provide
protection from lightning.
Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
Shutter windows or close blinds, shades or curtains; secure outside doors.
Avoid showering or bathing.
Use a corded phone only for emergencies. (Cordless and cell phones are safe.)
Unplug appliances and other electrical items.
Use a NOAA weather radio for updates. ©2007 codeReady Minnesota.
Avoid:
Natural lightning rods (such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area)
Hilltops, open fields, the beach, a boat on the water
Anything metal
Coping with Tornadoes
Before the tornado:
Develop a plan.
Practice drills.
Know which county you live in and keep a map nearby to follow storm movement.
Use a NOAA weather radio for updates.
Listen to radio and TV for information.
Listen to forecast if planning a trip outdoors.
During a tornado:
Move to the basement or other underground shelter.
If an underground shelter is not available, move into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and under a
sturdy piece of furniture.
Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Stay away from windows.
Get out of vehicles.
Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle.
Evacuate from mobile homes; they offer little protection.