Time to Review and Update Your Family's Emergency Plan

Be on the Lookout for Flooding & Tornadoes

It’s the time of year when heavy rains and strong winds frequent the Gateway City. Heavy rains can cause flooding in low lying areas and in some streets and homes. Flood waters and standing water pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries. Also, homes saturated with moisture from leaks in basements or roofs are at risk for developing mold which can trigger asthma.

St. Louis and other parts of the Midwest are at greater risk than some other parts of the country for tornadoes. It’s important for your family’s health and safety that you know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.

The City of St. Louis Department of Health recommends taking time now to update your family’s emergency plan in preparation for flooding and tornadoes. “Now is the time, when there’s no flooding or heavy wind storms, to conduct that critical review and update of your family’s emergency plan,” says Justen Hauser, emergency planner for the City of St. Louis Department of Health. “You won’t have time when the disaster strikes.”

Where will you go if you have to evacuate your home? Where will you go in your home if you have to shelter in place? Who will everybody contact if members of the family get separated? Is my emergency supply kit ready? These are a few of questions that Hauser says St. Louis residents should be thinking about now.

Sign up for alerts & notifications from NOTIFYSTL visit: stlouis-mo.gov/notifystl

Get additional tips on making and reviewing your plan at https://www.ready.gov/kids/family-emergency-planning/make-a-plan

Track the weather by monitoring local news stations or visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website at http://www.noaa.gov/.

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