Severe Weather Preparedness Week is March 2-8
Comet staff report

To focus Hoosiers' attention on the threats posed by tornadoes and thunderstorms, Governor Mitch Daniels has proclaimed March 2-8 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week.

The National Weather Service will conduct a statewide test of communication systems on Wednesday, March 5, between 10:30 and 11 a.m. EST and between 7 and 7:30 p.m. EST. March 7 is the make-up drill day if weather postpones Wednesday's drill. These tests should be used as times to practice your plan.

The goal of Severe Weather Preparedness Week is to better educate people about the hazards of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, and to help everyone be prepared should severe weather occur.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is offering these tips during times of severe weather.

Tornado safety tips • Basements, inner rooms of a house, and storm cellars provide the best protection. • Stay away from exterior walls, windows, and doors. Stay in the center of the room. • If you are in your car do NOT try and outrun the tornado because it can switch direction and can cover lots of ground quickly. • Get out of vehicle and go into a strong building if possible. If not, lie flat in a ditch or low area and cover your head. • Do NOT go under overpasses, wind speeds actually increase under them and can suck you out! • If you live in a mobile home, get out IMMEDIATELY. Take shelter in a building with a strong foundation. • Listen to radio or watch TV so you can be alerted about your current situation.

Thunderstorm safety tips • If a thunderstorm is coming postpone or cancel outdoor activity. • Do NOT go near tall trees or any other tall objects. • Seek shelter inside a building or in a hardtop vehicle, but don't touch any of the metal inside. • Do NOT use the telephone. Stay away from other electronic devices, bare metal, and water. • Do NOT go near downed power lines. • Keep your eye on the sky as well listen to weather reports on the radio or TV. • If caught out in the middle of a large body of water, return to shore as soon as possible. Get off the water immediately. • If caught out in middle of an open field: If walking with others stay a minimum of 10 feet apart; Also, keep low and move quickly to seek shelter. If there is no shelter lay in a ditch or get to the lowest place around.

For more information about preparedness for severe weather and other emergencies, go to www.in.gov/dhs/ 3638.htm.