Be Prepared

Active Shooter Preparedness

Since 2002, the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT)™ Program at Texas State University has been used to train law enforcement officers across the nation in how to rapidly respond to dangerous active threat situations. Over the years we’ve seen response times shorten and the capabilities of law enforcement increase. As a result of increased public awareness, many citizens have asked what individuals can do protect themselves and reduce the dangers faced during one of these events. Avoid | Deny | Defend™ has been developed as an easy to remember method for individuals to follow. As we’ve seen that hiding and hoping isn’t a very effective strategy.

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Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane season starts June 1. Make sure you and your family are prepared. See below for tips here on how to prepare before, during and after a hurricane.

FEMA urges property owners to take steps now to minimize damage from future storms. To better protect your family and yourself in the event of an emergency, ensure your home is a safe structure.

The following are some tips from Ready.gov, FEMA.gov and FloodSmart.gov on how to strengthen and protect your property from storms with sustained high wind speeds.

  • Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage. Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant. Read more about the mitigation model of Louisiana homes using similar roof technology.
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Reinforce your garage doors. If wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.

Tornado Preparedness

When it comes to tornadoes, there’s no such thing as a “tornado season.” Tornadoes can strike anywhere, anytime, and are nature's most violent storms. They can appear suddenly without warning and can be invisible until dust and debris are picked up or a funnel cloud appears. Be prepared to act quickly.

  • Strong, persistent rotation in the base of a cloud.
  • Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base – tornadoes sometimes have no visible funnel.
  • Hail or heavy rain followed by dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift. Many tornadoes, especially in Virginia, are wrapped in heavy precipitation and can’t be seen.
  • Loud, continuous roar or rumble, which doesn’t fade in a few seconds like thunder does.
  • If it’s night, look for small, bright, blue-green to white flashes at ground level (as opposed to silvery lightning up in the clouds). These lights are power lines being snapped by very strong wind, perhaps a tornado.
  • Persistent lowering of the cloud base.

Learn the terms that are used to identify a tornado:

  • Tornado Watch: a tornado is possible in your area. You should monitor weather-alert radios and local radio and TV stations for information.
  • Tornado Warning: a tornado has been sighted in the area or has been indicated by National Weather Service Doppler radar. When a warning is issued, take cover immediately.

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