top of page
Search

How to Prepare (Severe Wx)


Severe Weather in Clinton County: How to Get Your Household Ready


Spring weather in Ohio can change fast. One day it’s calm, and the next day we’re dealing with damaging winds, lightning, tornado warnings, or power outages. The best way to stay safe is to prepare before storms are on top of you. This guide breaks severe weather readiness into a simple timeline you can follow for your household—whether you live in a single-family home, apartment, or mobile home.


The following information is based on the Updated Household Emergency Checklist for Severe Weather.


The following sections are presented in expandable lists to allow you to focus on a section at a time.


A. 3–7 Days Before Severe Weather

This is where your household builds a calm, confident advantage before storms are on top of you. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s making sure you can move quickly, make good decisions, and stay safe without panic.


👉 Build a simple household plan

  • Pick a home meet-up spot (inside) and a neighborhood meet-up spot (outside).

  • Choose an out-of-area contact everyone can text if local networks are busy.

  • Decide who checks on who (elderly family, neighbors, friends who live alone).

  • Make a plan for school/daycare: who can pick up, and where you will reunite.

  • Write your plan down and keep a copy where everyone can find it.


👉 Know where you will shelter

For tornadoes and severe wind, your best shelter is usually:

  • Lowest level

  • Interior room

  • No windows


If possible, stage a few supplies in or near your shelter spot now:

  • Flashlight

  • Sturdy shoes

  • Helmets (bike or sports helmets work)

  • Weather radio

  • Phone charger or power bank

  • First aid kit

  • Needed medications


👉 If you live in an apartment or mobile home...


Apartments:

  • Identify the safest interior area (lowest floor possible, interior hallway/room, away from windows).

  • Know your exits and stair routes (don’t rely on elevators).


Mobile homes:

  • Mobile homes are not safe in high winds or tornadoes.

  • Pre-identify a safer shelter location (storm shelter, sturdy building, or trusted neighbor).

  • Plan to leave early when severe weather is likely. Do not wait until the last minute.


👉 Build or update your household kit


Start with the basics:

  • Drinking water

  • Food that does not require cooking

  • Flashlights and batteries

  • First aid kit

  • Hygiene supplies

  • Manual can opener


Add shelter extras:

  • Work gloves

  • Blankets

  • Whistle

  • Safety glasses (for cleanup)

  • Thick-soled shoes


👉 Pro-Tip: Pre-Chill and Freeze Water Bottles Early!!!

  • If severe weather is forecast, put extra bottled water in your refrigerator 24 hours before the storm window so it’s fully cold. Freeze a few bottles 24–48 hours before so they’re solid and can help keep your freezer cold longer if the power goes out.

  • Refrigerator: If the door stays closed, a modern refrigerator will usually keep food at a safe temperature for about 4 hours.

  • Freezer: If the door stays closed, a full freezer will usually hold a safe temperature for about 48 hours (about 24 hours if it’s half full).


Also:

  • Keep copies of IDs, insurance, and medical info in a waterproof pouch.

  • Keep a small amount of cash on hand (small bills).


Helpful pages:

B. 24 Hours Before the Forecasted Window

Once severe weather is forecast, this is the time to tighten up your plan.


👉 Power and communication readiness

  • Charge all phones and power banks.

  • Keep at least one charger in your car.

  • Use a “text-first” rule. Calls often fail when networks are overloaded.


👉 Alerts: Don’t rely on sirens


Sirens are meant for people who are outdoors. You may not hear them indoors or while asleep.

Make sure you have multiple warning methods:

  • Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) turned on for every phone

  • Local Clinton County alerts

  • A NOAA Weather Radio (especially for overnight storms)


Helpful information:


👉 Food and fridge planning


If storms could cause outages:

  • Make one easy meal ahead of time (sandwich supplies, snacks, ready-to-eat food).

  • Put drinks and items you’ll need in a cooler.

  • Plan to minimize opening the refrigerator.


👉 If you use backup power


If you have a generator or power station:

  • Confirm it works.

  • Confirm you have the right cords/adapters.

  • Store fuel safely.


Helpful Info:

C. The Day Of

If severe weather is possible today, treat the day like a “storm day” and start early.


Same-day checklist

  • Check the forecast early.

  • Charge phones and power banks to 100%.

  • Put shoes, helmets, flashlights, and pet carriers/leashes where you can grab them fast.

  • Secure outdoor items (or move them inside).

  • Park vehicles in the safest spot available (away from big trees if possible).

  • Prep cooler and easy meals in case power drops.

  • Check on neighbors who may need help.


👉 Pro-Tip: Frequently check (it updates, so hit the refresh button) the ILN (Wilmington) Probability vs. Timing slide at link

  • Shows probability of occuring within 25 miles of ILN

  • Shows timing

  • Shows SPC current risk (i.e., Marginal, Slight, Enhanced, Moderate, and High)

  • Shows additional SPC risks for Tornado, Wind, and Hail (upper right hand corner)


Helpful pages:

D. During Severe Thunderstorms

Severe thunderstorms can cause injuries and deaths even without tornadoes.

During wind and lightning:

  • Go indoors and stay away from windows and glass doors.

  • Do not go outside to “watch” the storm.

  • Avoid using corded devices during lightning.

  • Don’t shower or bathe during lightning (avoid plumbing).

  • If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck.


Driving safety:

  • Never drive through flooded roads. Turn around.

  • Avoid driving around storm damage zones unless absolutely necessary.

E. During a Tornado Warning

A tornado warning means a tornado is happening or could happen very soon.

When a warning is issued:

  • Go to your shelter location immediately. Do not wait.

  • Protect your head and neck (helmet, pillows, blankets).

  • Keep pets with you in the shelter area (leash or carrier).

  • Stay in shelter until the warning is over and conditions are clearly safe.


If you live in an apartment:

  • Shelter on the lowest level possible.

  • Use an interior hallway or interior room away from windows.


If you live in a mobile home:

  • You need a safer shelter location ahead of time.

  • Leave early when storms are expected. Do not wait for a warning.


Helpful pages:

F. Power Outage Tips

Power outages are one of the most common impacts of severe weather in Clinton County.


Refrigerator and freezer tips

  • ⭐ A full fridge stays cold longer than an empty one ⭐

  • Store bottled water in the fridge to add thermal mass and provide ready drinking water.

  • ⭐ Freeze a few bottles of water (leave air space so they don’t burst) ⭐

  • During an outage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.


A simple trick:

  • Freeze a cup of water solid.

  • Place a coin on top.

  • If the coin sinks later, your freezer thawed and refroze.


Lighting and safety

  • Keep at least one flashlight in each bedroom.

  • Use headlamps for hands-free lighting during cleanup.

  • Avoid candles if possible. Fires increase during outages.

  • Don’t overload extension cords or power strips.


Helpful page:

G. Power-Dependent Medical Needs

If anyone in your household uses medical equipment that requires electricity (oxygen concentrator, CPAP, feeding pump, etc.), you should have a backup plan in place before severe weather hits. Some utility providers have programs for situations like this.


Make sure you:

  • Keep backup supplies on hand.

  • Have a charging plan for medical devices.

  • Write down the device model and supplier contact information.

  • Ask your doctor or supplier about backup power options if needed.


Even a short power outage can become a serious health risk if you don’t plan ahead.

H. Pets

Severe weather is stressful for pets, and many households lose time because they are trying to find pet supplies during an emergency.


Build a pet go-kit that includes:

  • Food and water

  • Bowls

  • Medications

  • Leash and collar

  • Carrier

  • Waste bags

  • Comfort item (toy or blanket)


Also:

  • Make sure pets have ID tags with updated contact info.

  • Keep a current pet photo on your phone (and a printed copy in your kit).

  • Keep vaccination records and vet info in a waterproof pouch.


Helpful page:

I. First 30 Minutes After the Storm

Once the storm passes, hazards are still everywhere. This is where many injuries happen.


In the first 30 minutes:

  • Check for injuries and provide first aid.

  • Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.

  • If you smell gas or hear hissing: leave immediately and call 911 or the gas company from outside.

  • Stay far away from downed power lines (assume they are live).

  • Use text messages first to let family know your status.

  • Take photos/video of damage before cleanup, moving items, or throwing anything away.

  • When safe, check on nearby neighbors and report urgent needs to 911.

J. The Next 72 Hours

Cleanup injuries spike after storms. Take your time and protect yourself.


Watch for hazards

  • Broken glass

  • Nails

  • Unstable trees and limbs

  • Damaged roofs

  • Flooded areas

  • Hidden debris in grass


Use protective gear

  • Thick-soled shoes

  • Work gloves

  • Eye protection


Food safety

  • If frozen food thawed completely, it may not be safe.

  • If refrigerated food is warm too long, throw it out.

  • When in doubt, toss it.


👉 Generator and carbon monoxide safety


Carbon monoxide kills fast. If you use a generator, grill, or heater:

  • Run it outside only.

  • Keep it away from doors and windows.

  • Never run it in a home, basement, garage, or enclosed porch.


👉 Chainsaw warning


If you are not trained for chainsaw work, don’t do it. Storm cleanup is one of the most common times for serious injuries.


👉 Track costs


Save receipts and track expenses such as:

  • Lodging

  • Repairs

  • Supplies

  • Debris work

K. Reporting Damage & Getting Help

After a major storm, the county may ask residents to report damage as part of the Damage Assessment process. This information helps determine whether disaster assistance programs may become available.


Also:

  • Follow local guidance for debris cleanup and disposal.

  • Do not burn debris unless officially allowed.


Debris information and assistance options (seniors, medically inform, and low-income residents): https://www.cc-ema.org/debris


Severe weather is part of life in Clinton County, but injuries and damage don’t have to be. Prepared households make stronger neighborhoods. If you take a little time to plan ahead, set up alerts, and know where you will shelter, you’ll be ready to act quickly when storms move in.


To get started, make sure your household is signed up for alerts and has a shelter plan before severe weather arrives: https://www.cc-ema.org/alerts

 
 
 

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet
Add a rating
bottom of page