SPRING CLEANING GETS RID OF POTENTIAL FLAMMABLES

Yard

●  Choose nontoxic fertilizers, insecticides and gardening supplies.

●  Eliminate any standing water to prevent drowning (buckets, drums, baby pools). Remember that a young child can drown in only a few of inches of water.

●  Check the play area for sharp objects, poisonous plants, and tripping hazards.

●  Install surfacing under playground equipment. Check play equipment for loose or exposed hardware, broken parts, and stability. Go to http://www.cpsc.gov for more info.

●  If you have a pool or spa, it should be enclosed by a four-sided fence with a self-closing and self-latching gate. Learn CPR and have a phone and emergency equipment poolside.

●  Children must not be allowed to ride as passengers on lawn mowers or to be towed behind mowers in carts or trailers. They should not be permitted to play on or around the mower when it is in use or in storage.

●  Most yard cleanup tools (ladders, weed-eaters, pruning shears) are not safe for children. If your child wants to help in the yard, he or she should use tools designed for children, such as a small plastic rake, child's shovel, or broom.

from the American Academy of Pediatrics

TORNADO WARNING

Tornadoes are frightening. We can't prevent them or even predict where or when they will strike. Many of us aren't sure what to do during a tornado. Some people aren't even clear about the difference between a tornado "watch" and a tornado "warning." But there are some precautions we can take to minimize danger to people and property. When tornado season approaches, the watchwords are: Be informed and be prepared. Knowing the difference between a watch and a warning is a good first step.

• A TORNADO WATCH simply means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. In this case you should take precautions to protect you and your property, and listen to the radio to keep informed. Tornadoes are most likely to occur in the late afternoon on a hot spring day. However, tornadoes have occurred in every month at all times of the day or night. When a tornado "watch" is issued, be alert for changes in the weather. Be prepared to act quickly.
• 
  A TORNADO WARNING means that a tornado has actually been sighted. If one is issued for your area, you should seek shelter immediately! There is little time for closing windows or hunting for a flashlight. It's a good idea to know where things are, and to have an emergency storm kit already prepared.

Before the storm hits...  A little planning can prevent unnecessary panic and confusion if a tornado does strike.

●  Learn the warning signals used in your community. If a siren sounds, that means STAY INSIDE and take cover.

●  Consider setting up a neighborhood information program through a club, church group or community group. Hold briefings on safety procedures as tornado season approaches. Set up a system to make sure senior citizens and shut-ins are alerted if there is a tornado warning.

●  Put together an emergency storm kit including a transistor radio, flashlight, batteries and simple first aid items in a waterproof container.

●  Make a complete inventory of your possessions for insurance purposes. Keep that list in a bank safe deposit box or other safe place away from home.

●  Conduct drills with your family in the home; make sure each member knows the correct procedures if they are at work or school when a tornado hits.

When a tornado watch is in effect...

You can take certain precautions to lessen the danger.

• ●  Move cars inside a garage or carport, if possible, to avoid damage from hail that often accompanies severe storms.
  
  ●  Keep your car keys and house keys with you.
• 
  ●  Move lawn furniture and yard equipment such as lawnmowers inside (if time permits). Otherwise they could become damaged or act as dangerous projectiles causing serious injury or damage.
• 
  ●  Account for family members at home. Have your emergency kit ready.

When a tornado warning has been issued on the radio or by siren...

●  Seek shelter immediately.

• AT HOME: In the basement under something sturdy, like a bench. If there is no basement, a small room in the middle of the house (a closet or bathroom is the best). Always stay away from outside walls and windows.
• 
  AT WORK OR SCHOOL: Designated shelter areas are best. (See University Safety and Assurances webpage on tornadoes) for a listing of the shelter area for your building. Stay away from large open rooms like auditoriums and gymnasiums, and rooms with windows. Lie low with your hands covering the back of your head to reduce neck injury.
• 
  IN SHOPPING MALLS: Go to a designated shelter area or to the center of the building on a low level. Stay away from large, open rooms and windows. Never seek shelter in cars in the parking lot.
• 
  IN MOBILE HOMES OR CARS: Leave the vehicle. Seek a safe structure or lie down in a low area with your hands covering the back of your head and neck. Keep alert for flash floods that often accompany such storms.

After a Tornado...

●  Keep calm. Stay in your shelter until after the storm is over.

●  Check people around you for injuries. Begin First Aid or seek help if necessary. Always cooperate with local officials.

●  Check utility lines and appliances for damage. If you smell gas, open the windows and turn off the main valve. Don't turn on lights or appliances until the gas has dissipated. If electric wires are shorting out, turn off the power.

●  When you go outside, watch out for downed power lines.

●  Notify your insurance agent and provide as much detail as possible about damage to your property. Follow the agent's directions on filing your claim.

●  Take steps to protect your home and furniture from further damage.

●  Clean and dry your furniture, bedding, rugs and carpeting as soon as possible.

●  Board up windows and holes in the walls or roof.

●  Don't be rushed into signing repair contracts. Deal with reputable contractors. If you're unsure about contractor's credentials perhaps your agent, claim adjuster, Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce can help. Make sure the contractor you hire is experienced in repair work - not just new construction. Be sure of payment terms and consult your agent or adjuster before you sign any contracts.

●  Keep receipts for living expenses beyond your normal ones (such as temporary quarters) and for temporary repair costs so you can seek insurance reimbursement.