Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What should I do after a natural
disaster strikes?
A: Although each disaster situation
is unique, there are some general guidelines you should follow:
1) Use extreme caution when entering or working in buildings that may have been damaged or weakened by a disaster, as they may collapse without warning. Also, there may be gas leaks or electrical short circuits in the building.
2) Do not take lanterns, torches or lighted cigarettes into buildings that have been flooded or otherwise damaged since there may be leaking gas lines or flammable material present.
3) Stay away from fallen or damaged electrical wires, which may still be dangerous. (Consider ALL wires to be dangerous, including telephone wires.)
4) If any of your electrical appliances are wet, first turn off the main power switch in your house, then unplug the wet appliance. Allow the wet appliance to fully dry, and then plug in the appliance, and then turn on the main power switch. (NEVER perform these steps if you are wet or in standing water.) If the fuses blow when the electrical power is restored, turn off the main power switch and contact your utility company.
5) If you smell gas in your house, immediately exit the house and notify the gas company and the fire department from a neighbor's house. Do not re-enter the home until you are told it's safe.
6) Check your food and water supplies before using them. Foods that require refrigeration may be spoiled if electrical power has been off for an extended period of time. Also, do not eat food that has come into contact with flood waters.
7) Stay away from disaster areas. Sightseeing will only interfere with first aid or rescue work.
8) Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
9) Do not spread rumors about the disaster situation.
10) Follow the advice and instructions of your local government authorities on ways to help yourself and your community recover from disaster.
Q: What do the various
weather watches and warnings mean that are issued by the National
Weather Service?
A: The National Weather Service (NWS) disseminates watches and
warnings to help citizens, businesses, and visitors prepare for
severe weather. The following are several weather statements
released by the NWS.
Tornado Watch--This means that tornadoes are possible in the watch
area. If you live in this area you should remain alert for
approaching storms and monitor the weather situation.
Tornado Warning--This means a tornado has been either visually
sighted or spotted on weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued
for your area, take shelter immediately.
Thunderstorm Watch--This means a storm of significant strength may
develop producing large hail or damaging winds.
Thunderstorm Warning--This means severe thunderstorms are occurring.
The dangers that can accompany a severe thunderstorm include: flash
floods, lightning, straight-line winds and large hail.
Flash flood or Flood Watch--This means flooding is possible in the
designated area. If you live in this area, remain on alert and
monitor the weather.
Flash Flood or Flood Warning--This means flooding has been reported
or is imminent. Take precautions now.
Urban and Small Stream Advisory--This means flooding of small
streams, streets, and low-lying areas such as railroad underpasses
and urban storm drains, is occurring. In flood situations, know
where high ground is, abandon stalled cars, never attempt to outrun
a flood in your vehicle, and do not drive through flooded areas.
Winter Storm Watch--This means severe winter conditions such as
heavy snow or ice are possible within the next day or two in the
watch area. Start to prepare now!
Winter Storm Warning--This means severe winter conditions have begun
or are about to begin in the warning area. A winter storm usually
means snowfall of 6 inches or more in a 12 hour period, or 8 inches
or more in a 24 hour period. Stay indoors!
Blizzard Warning--This means the NWS expects considerable snowfall
with temperatures below freezing, and winds of at least 35 miles per
hour. Expect potentially life threatening wind chill, deep drifts,
and blinding snow.
Freezing Rain/Drizzle--This means rain is likely to freeze as soon
as it strikes the ground, putting a coating of ice or glaze on
highways.
Q: What should I do if
threatened by a tornado?
A: Windblown debris poses the greatest risk of injury or death from
tornadoes. Stay away from windows and avoid the inside corners of a
building. Do not open windows because this causes deadly debris to
enter!
In Your Home--The safest location is in a basement. If you do not
have a basement, seek shelter on the lowest floor in an interior
small room or hallway (e.g., a closet or bathroom without windows).
In a Mobile Home--Seek shelter in a sturdy building. If one is not
available, crouch low in a dry ditch, ravine, or culvert and cover
your head with your hands.
In a High Rise Building--Go to an interior room or hallway on the
lowest floor possible. Do not use elevators!
In schools, nursing homes, shopping centers, and hospitals--Stay
away from open spaces with wide, free-span roofs such as dining
halls, gymnasiums, and auditoriums. Go to pre-designated
shelter-areas!
Q:What is a NOAA Weather
Radio?
A: A NOAA Weather Radio is a dedicated radio enabling the listener
to receive real time weather information provided by the National
Weather Service. The information provided includes current weather
conditions, local forecasts, travel and recreational forecasts, as
well as climatology data. Weather messages are repeated every 4 to 6
minutes and are updated every 1 to 3 hours. (Note: updates occur
more frequently in rapidly changing or hazardous weather
conditions.)
During severe weather, live broadcasts are made to notify listeners of potential hail, flooding, tornadoes, blizzard conditions, and other weather warnings. NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts can usually be heard as far as 40 miles from a transmitter. The latest feature added to the NOAA Weather Radio allows a listener the option of hearing warnings for specific areas, typically a county-area. These tone-alert radios can be purchased at many electronic stores, however it is a good idea to "call around" to confirm which stores actually sell the NOAA radios. If you are surrounded by tall buildings in a city or you are located in a mountain valley, a good quality antenna may be required for reliable reception.
Q: How should I dispose
of Household Hazardous Waste?
A: Please visit our
Resources page for a list of documents pertaining to common
household hazardous waste.
Veolia's Port Washington facility will also accept some household hazardous waste, for more information please visit their website.
