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Warnings, Watches, and Driving Bans

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Warnings, Watches, and Driving Bans Warnings, The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), which has more than Watches, and - Water (one gallon of water per person 5,000 members worldwide, is the preeminent per day, for drinking and sanitation) international non-profit organization of Driving Bans - Food (at least a three-day supply of emergency management professionals. non-perishable food) IAEM is dedicated to promoting the Information you - Battery-powered radio and a NOAA "Principles of Emergency Management" and need for Weather Radio with tone alert (extra representing professionals whose goals are batteries for both) understanding severe saving lives and protecting property and the - Flashlight and extra batteries weather alerts environment during emergencies and - First Aid kit - Whistle to signal for help disasters. - Infant formula and diapers (if you For more information about our have an infant) student chapter, IAEM@UD, and - Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation our events visit our website - Dust mask or cotton t-shirt (to help https://sites.google.com/a/udel.edu/iaem/ filter the air) or e-mail us at [email protected] - Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place Other Resources: - Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Delaware Emergency Management Agency - Can opener for canned food http://dema.delaware.gov/ Go to www.ready.gov for more Maryland Emergency Management Agency information http://mema.maryland.gov/ Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency http://www.pema.state.pa.us/ What’s the Difference? Severe weather alerts come in all different varieties and levels. During inclement weather we often hear the terms “Watches”, “Warnings”, and the occasional “Driving Ban” used, but what do these designations really mean? Understanding the differences can be crucial to safety during severe weather events. The various levels of alerts are defined as well as the suggested FEMA readiness kit supplies so that next time a severe weather event hits your area, you can be fully prepared! Watches Warnings Driving Bans Winter Storm Warning- Issued when a winter storm is producing or is forecasted to Level One Driving Warning: Drivers are produce heavy snow or significant ice discouraged from operating a motor Winter Storm Watch- This product is accumulations. vehicle on the state's roadways, unless issued by the National Weather Service there is a significant safety, health or when there is a potential for heavy snow or Tornado Warning- When a tornado is business reason to do so. significant ice accumulations, usually at indicated by the WSR-88D radar or sighted by spotters; People in the affected area least 24 to 36 hours in advance. should seek safe shelter immediately. Level Two Driving Restriction: Travel on Tornado Watch- When conditions are the roads is restricted to emergency An favorable for the development of tornadoes Tropical Storm Warning- workers, public utilities, healthcare announcement that tropical storm in and close to the watch area. providers including hospital staff, private conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 Tropical Storm Watch- An announcement mph) are expected somewhere within the sector food and fuel deliveries, and those that tropical storm conditions (sustained specified coastal area within 36 hours. industries, companies or organization winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within that have been provided a waiver, the specified coastal area within 48 hours. Hurricane Warning- An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds including businesses with pressing Hurricane Watch- An announcement that of 74 mph or higher) are expected continuity and operational issues. hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 somewhere within the specified coastal mph or higher) are possible within the area. Level Three Driving Ban: Complete ban specified coastal area. on driving except for first responders, and Issued Severe Thunderstorm Warning- utility personnel. Businesses and Severe Thunderstorm Watch- This is issued when either a severe thunderstorm is by the National Weather Service when indicated by radar or a storm is reported organizations should adjust work conditions are favorable for the producing hail 1 inch or larger in diameter schedules so that employees do not need development of severe thunderstorms in and/or winds equal or exceed 58 mph. to be on the roads. and close to the watch area http://www.weather.gov/ .
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