Mt. Vernon Fire Department

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PUBLIC SAFETY

Tornado Watches/Tornado Warnings Warning Sirens Thunderstorms Tornadoes Floods Earthquakes NOAA Weather Radio Links to Sources of Weather Information Fire Safety Reporting an Emergency (9-1-1)

Tornado Watches vs. Tornado Warnings

Tornado Watch:  Tornadoes are possible.  When a tornado watch is issued, this means conditions are favorable for tornadoes in and close to the watch area.  Watch the sky and listen to the radio or television for more information.  Be prepared to take shelter.  If you see any rotating funnel-shaped clouds, report them immediately by telephone to the City of Mt. Vernon Police Department.

Tornado Warning:  Tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.   When a tornado warning is issued, this means that a tornado has been identified by radar or reported within Jefferson County.  Take shelter immediately.  Turn on a battery operated radio for further information.

Warning Sirens

The City of Mt. Vernon has 4 outdoor warning sirens for use during emergency situations.  These sirens are located at:  Times Square Mall, City Hall, Veterans Park and Summersville School.

The outdoor warning sirens are specifically intended to warn persons that an emergency event is imminent or has occurred. The warning siren is an attempt to get those persons inside so they can tune to a radio or television station or even listen to a weather radio for updates as to what is occurring. The outdoor warning system will be activated in the event of:

• A tornado warning
• A severe thunderstorm warning
• On Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m., the sirens are sounded to ensure that they are functioning properly.  The only exception would be if severe weather is in the area.

After the sirens are activated, they will sound for five minutes, at which time they automatically shut off.  During an actual warning, they are reactivated at approximately five-minute intervals, until such time that the storm has cleared the Mt. Vernon area.

The warning system consists of the outdoor warning sirens, radio announcements by the City of Mt. Vernon Fire Department and announcements by local radio and television media. As stated above, the City of Mt. Vernon performs audible tests on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. unless threatening weather is present. 

When you hear the warning siren, turn on either the television or radio and listen for information relating to the event.

Thunderstorms

What To Do Before a Thunderstorm

Learn the thunderstorm danger signs:

• Dark, towering, or threatening clouds.
• Distant lightning and thunder.

Have disaster supplies on hand:

• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Nonelectric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes

Check for hazards in the yard:
Dead or rotting trees and branches can fall during a severe thunderstorm and cause injury and damage.

• Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a thunderstorm.
• Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water.

Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, Police Department, Fire Department and which radio station to tune for emergency information.

Develop an emergency communication plan:
In case family members are separated from one another during a thunderstorm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact". After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.

What To Do During a Thunderstorm

If indoors:

• Secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture that could blow away or cause damage or injury. Take light objects inside.
• Shut windows securely and brace outside doors.
• Listen to a battery operated radio or television for the latest storm information.
• Do not handle any electrical equipment or telephones because lightning could follow the wire. Television sets are particularly dangerous at this time.
• Avoid bathtubs, water faucets and sinks because metal pipes can transmit electricity.

If outdoors:

• Attempt to get into a building or car.
• If no structure is available, get to an open space and squat low to the ground as quickly as possible. (If in the woods, find an area protected by low clump of trees--never stand underneath a single large tree in the open.) Be aware of the potential for flooding in low-lying areas.
• Crouch with hands on knees.
• Avoid tall structures such as towers, tall trees, fences, telephone lines or power lines.
• Stay away from natural lightning rods such as golf clubs, tractors, fishing rods, bicycles or camping equipment.
• Stay from rivers, lakes or other bodies of water.
• If you are isolated in a level field or prairie and you feel your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike), bend forward, putting your hands on your knees. A position with feet together and crouching while removing all metal objects is recommended. Do not lie flat on the ground.

If in a car:

• Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
• Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
• Avoid flooded roadways.

Estimating the Distance from a Thunderstorm

Because light travels much faster than sound, lightning flashes can be seen long before the resulting thunder is heard. Estimate the number of miles you are from a thunderstorm by counting the number of seconds between a flash of lightning and the next clap of thunder. Divide this number by five.

Important: You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder. Knowing how far away a storm is does not mean that you're in danger only when the storm is overhead.

Hail

Hail is produced by many strong thunderstorms. Hail can be smaller than a pea or as large as a softball and can be very destructive to plants and crops. In a hailstorm, take cover immediately. Pets and livestock are particularly vulnerable to hail, so bring animals into a shelter.

What To Do After a Thunderstorm

Check for injuries.
A person who has been struck by lightning does not carry an electrical charge that can shock other people. If the victim is burned, provide first aid and call emergency medical assistance immediately. Look for burns where lightning entered and exited the body. If the strike cause the victim's heart and breathing to stop, give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until medical professionals arrive and take over.

Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people and people with disabilities.

Report downed utility wires.

Drive only if necessary. Debris and washed-out roads may make driving dangerous.

What To Do Before a Tornado

Conduct tornado drills each tornado season.

Designate an area in the home as a shelter and practice having everyone in the family go there in response to a tornado threat.

Discuss with family members the difference between a "tornado watch" and a "tornado warning."

A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is time to remind family members where the safest places within your home are located, and listen to the radio or television for further developments.

A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.

Have disaster supplies on hand:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Nonelectric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes

Develop an emergency communication plan
In case family members are separated from one another during a tornado (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.

Mobile Homes
Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter in a building with a strong foundation. If shelter is not available, lie in ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the unit.

Tornado Danger Signs
Learn these tornado danger signs:

• An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible.
• Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still.
• Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.

REMEMBER THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TORNADO WATCH AND WARNING
A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is the time to remind family members where the safest places within your home are located, and listen to the radio or television for further developments.

A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.

What to Do During a Tornado

If at home:

• If you have a tornado safe room or engineered shelter go there immediately.
• Go at once to a windowless, interior room; storm cellar; basement; or lowest level of the building.
• If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a smaller inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
• Get away from the windows.
• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.
• Use arms to protect head and neck.
• If in a mobile home, get out and find shelter elsewhere.

If at work or school:

• Go to the area designated in your tornado plan.
• Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways or shopping malls.
• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.
• Use arms to protect head and neck.

If outdoors:

• If possible, get inside a building.
• If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
• Use arms to protect head and neck.

If in a car:

• Never try to out-drive a tornado in a car or truck.
• Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building.
• If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

What To Do After a Tornado

When a tornado is coming, you have only a short amount of time to make life-or-death decisions. Advance planning and quick response are the keys to surviving a tornado.

• Help injured or trapped persons.
• Give first aid when appropriate.
• Don't try to move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
• Call for help.
• If you smell gas, do not turn on any appliances or switches. This includes using phones, flashlights or a cell phone.
• Turn on radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
• Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches or gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the building if you smell gas or chemical fumes.
• Take pictures of the damage--both to the house and its contents--for insurance purposes.

Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, the elderly and people with disabilities.

Fire Safety

Fire is FAST!
There is little time!
In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house. In minutes, a house can be engulfed in flames. Most fires occur in the home when people are asleep. If you wake up to a fire, you won't have time to grab valuables because fire spreads too quickly and the smoke is too thick. There is only time to escape.

Fire is HOT!
Heat is more threatening than flames.
A fire's heat alone can kill. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super hot air will scorch your lungs. This heat can melt clothes to your skin. In five minutes a room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at once: this is called flashover.

Fire is DARK!
Fire isn't bright; it's pitch black.
Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness. If you wake up to a fire you may be blinded, disoriented and unable to find your way around the home you've lived in for years.

Fire is DEADLY!
Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do.
Fire uses up the oxygen you need and produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill. Breathing even small amounts of smoke and toxic gases can make you drowsy, disoriented and short of breath. The odorless, colorless fumes can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your door. You may not wake up in time to escape.

Fire Safety Tips

In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest enemy and every second counts!

Escape first, then call for help. Develop a home fire escape plan and designate a meeting place outside. Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room. Practice feeling your way out with your eyes closed. Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered. Never return to a burning building for any reason; it may cost you your life.

Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.

Earthquakes

SOME TYPES OF FIRE RELATED HAZARDS PRESENT DURING AND AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE:

• Appliances, furniture and household products can shift, fall and spill.
• Gas, chemical and electrical hazards may be present.
• Leaking gas lines, damaged or leaking gas propane containers and leaking vehicle gas tanks could explode or ignite.
• Pools of water or even appliances can be electrically charged.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

• Look for flammable liquids like gasoline, lighter fluid and paint thinner that may have spilled.
• Thoroughly clean the spill and place containers in a well-ventilated area.
• Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

• If you can safely get to the main breaker or fuse box, turn off the power.
• Look for items that might have jarred loose during the earthquake.
• Appliances or power connectors could create a fire hazard.
• Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds.
• Look for and replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs and plugs.
• Exposed outlets and wiring could present a fire and life safety hazard.
• Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced.
• Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.

GAS SAFETY

• Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave the house and leave the door(s) open.
• Never strike a match. Any size flame can spark an explosion.
• Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional.

GENERATOR SAFETY

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using generators.
• Use a generator or other fuel-powered machines outside the home. CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.
• Use the appropriate size and type power cords to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires.
• Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go unnoticed.
• Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or “backfeed” can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.

HEATING SAFETY

• Kerosene heaters should only be used where approved by authorities.
• Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
• Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away.
• Make sure your alternative heaters have “tip switches”.  These tip switches are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
• Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
• Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
• Refuel heaters only outdoors.
• Make sure wood stoves are properly installed and at least 3 feet away from combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.
• Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other combustible items.

AND REMEMBER...

• Be careful when using candles. Keep the flame away from combustible objects and out of the reach of children.
• Some smoke alarms may be dependent on your home's electrical service and could be inoperative during a power outage. Check to see if your smoke alarm uses a back-up battery and install a new battery at least once a year.
• Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home.
• All smoke alarms should be tested monthly. All batteries should be replaced with new ones at least once a year.
• If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of debris for easy access by the fire department.

Call the Mt. Vernon Fire Department Inspection Bureau at 242-6883 with any questions you may have or for further information.

What to Do Before a Flood

• Keep a battery-powered radio tuned to a local station and follow emergency instructions.
• If the waters start to rise inside your house before you have evacuated, retreat to the second floor, the attic, or if necessary, the roof. Take dry clothing, a flashlight and a portable radio with you. Then, wait for help. Don't try to swim to safety; wait for rescuers to come to you.

If Time Permits, Here Are Other Steps That You Can Take Before The Flood Waters Come

• Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary.
• Move valuables, such as papers, furs, jewelry and clothing to upper floors or higher elevations.
• Fill bathtubs, sinks and plastic soda bottles with clean water. Sanitize the sinks and tubs first by using bleach. Rinse, then fill with clean water.
• Bring outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills and trash cans inside, or tie them down securely.

What to Do During a Flood

Once The Flood Arrives

• Do not drive through a flooded area. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else.
• Do not walk through flooded areas. As little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
• Stay away from downed power fines and electrical wires. Electrocution is another major source of deaths in floods. Electric current passes easily through water.
• Look out for animals - especially snakes. Animals lose their homes in floods, too. They may seek shelter in yours.

What to Do After a Flood

After The Flood

• Before entering a building, check for structural damage. Don't go in if there is any chance of the building collapsing.
• Upon entering the building, do not use matches, cigarette lighters or any other open flames since gas may be trapped inside. Instead, use a flashlight to light your way.
• Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
• Flood waters pick up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms and factories. If your home has been flooded, protect your family's health by cleaning up your house right away. Throw out foods and medicines that may have come into contact with flood water.
• Until local authorities proclaim your water supply to be safe, boil water for drinking and food preparation vigorously for five minutes before using.
• Be careful walking around. After a flood, steps and floors are often slippery with mud and covered with debris, including nails and broken glass.
• Take steps to reduce your risk of future floods. Make sure to follow local building codes and ordinances when rebuilding, and use flood-resistant materials and techniques to protect yourself and your property from future flood damage.

Sources of Information

Illinois Emergency Management Agency – http://www.state.il.us/iema/

Federal Emergency Management Agency – http://www.fema.gov

American Red Cross – http://www.redcross.org

National Weather Service – http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pah

National Weather Service, Paducah, KY Radar Image for Mount Vernon, IL –http://www.crh.noaa.gov/radar/loop/DS.p19r0/si.kpah.shtml

State of Illinois Public Safety - http://www.illinois.gov/safety

NOAA Weather Radio

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio has the latest weather forecasts.  The National Weather Service broadcasts weather information, including watches, warnings and advisories 24 hours a day.  Weather radio transmitters have a range of about 40 miles.  More information on radio transmitters can be found at:  http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/nwrrcvr.htm.  Weather radio transmitters that are closest to Mt. Vernon are shown below.  

Reporting an Emergency (9-1-1)

To obtain the best possible police and fire response, you should be prepared to efficiently report medical, fire and police emergencies.  Some situations warrant using the 9-1-1 emergency number, while others should be phoned in to the 24 hour non-emergency line. The following guidelines are offered to assist you in determining which number to use:

CALL 9-1-1 FOR:

1. All medical emergencies.
2. Reporting a fire.
3. Reporting a police emergency such as:

·         Any crime in progress that you are aware of or observing.

·         A crime that has just been committed against you or one that you just witnessed. For example, you have just had your purse snatched and the suspect and/or vehicle description may help the police make an apprehension.

·         A vehicle accident you have been involved in or that you have witnessed.

The 9-1-1 number can be dialed from any telephone and will go directly to the Mt. Vernon Police Department's Communication Center. The telephone and address from the location you're calling from is automatically displayed on a computer screen when your call is answered. You can also call 9-1-1from any coin operated telephone without depositing money. 

In order for the police to respond quickly to an emergency, let the dispatcher take command of the conversation. He or she will ask you a series of questions to learn exactly what is taking place. Depending on the type of call, the dispatcher will ask:

• What happened?
• Where did it happen?
• Your name, phone number and location.
• Suspect(s) description.
• Weapon, if any.
• Vehicle, if any, and its direction of travel.
• Identifiable features of house or building.
• Pet(s) on premises, if any.
• Injuries, if any.

Speak as clearly and as calmly as you can. In an emergency, another dispatcher broadcasts the information by radio while you're still on the line. Each question that you're asked is designed to add a piece to the "picture" so that arriving officers can take precautions for what may be a dangerous situation. The more complete the picture, the quicker and safer the outcome will be for all concerned.

REPORTING A NON-EMERGENCY
(242-2131)

Most of the calls that you and your neighbors place to the Police Department are for non-emergencies. For example, if you discover that a crime has occurred such as a burglary or theft but you did not witness the incident and don't know when it happened, you should call the non-emergency line, 242-2131 (24 hours).

You can assist the Police Department in deterring crime by reporting potential criminal activity BEFORE a crime has been committed or completed. Following are examples of suspicious activity that you should report to the police:

SUSPICIOUS PERSONS

• Going door-to-door in a residential area. Burglars often case an area by simply knocking on doors to see if anyone is home. If a stranger knocks on your door, take the time to check them. If you don't, you may unwittingly be sending a burglar on to continue their search.
• Non-residents entering a yard. Be wary of strangers you see entering a neighbor's property. Try calling your neighbor and then call the police if you're still unsure.
• Waiting in front of a house. If you see a stranger loitering near a home you know is unoccupied, they may be acting as a lookout for a burglary.
• Forcing entrance to a home or vehicle. Some burglars are so brazen that a casual observer may assume that someone has simply locked themselves out. Be alert!

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLES

• Slow moving vehicles. Burglars sometimes look for their target by driving aimlessly about, passing by repeatedly.
• Parked, occupied vehicles. Burglars also will park their car and strike the home of someone they see leaving.
• Vans and trucks. Be wary of a large vehicle you've never seen before parked next to a home or in a driveway. Verify that it belongs there.

Remember:  trust your instincts.  If you observe something that just doesn't seem right, follow through. Don't say to yourself, "It's probably nothing and besides, the police are probably too busy to check it out". Actually, police officers would much rather respond to your call and have it result in a false alarm than to miss an opportunity to prevent a crime or apprehend a criminal.

Call the Mt. Vernon Police Department at 242-2131 with any questions or for further information.