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Emergency Management
The Public Safety Department is responsible for maintaining Delano's Emergency Response Plan. The city's plan is reviewed annually, on a four-year cycle. Reviews are conducted by the city, the county, the state, and the federal government to ensure the plan is a workable, living document that meets criteria laid out by these governments.
Make a plan. Create and practice an emergency plan so your family will know what to do in a crisis.
Because your family may not be together when a disaster strikes it is important to create a plan in advance. It is also essential to have a disaster supplies kit that includes basic items from your home that you may need in case of emergency.
- With your family or household members, discuss how to prepare and respond to the types of emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work, and play.
- Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and how you'll work together as a team.
- Practice as many elements of your plan as possible.
Here are some helpful tips to create a family disaster plan.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
A severe thunderstorm watch means severe thunderstorms are possible. Be alert for changes in the weather, monitor local radio or television, and be prepared to act quickly.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
A severe thunderstorm warning means severe thunderstorms are occurring, which may produce hail and/or very strong winds. Some of these winds are called straight-line winds and can reach speeds of 100 miles per hour. Severe thunderstorms can also produce tornadoes with little or no warning.
Tornado Watch
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms with tornadoes. When a tornado watch is issued, be alert for changes in the weather, monitor local radio or television, and be prepared to act quickly.
Tornado Warning
A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, seek shelter immediately:
At Home
Go to the basement of your home and take shelter under the stairs or sturdy furniture such as a workbench or table. If you don’t have a basement, seek shelter in a small room at the lowest level, and/or near the center of your home, such as a closet or bathroom. Avoid areas with windows.
At Work or School
Immediately find the building’s designated shelter area. Stay away from large, open rooms, auditoriums, gymnasiums, and any room with windows. Lie low and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
At a Shopping Mall
Locate the designated shelter area or go to the center of the building on the lowest level. Stay away from large, long-span roofs, open rooms and windows. Do not go to your car - you are generally safer in a building than in the open.
In a Car or Mobile Home
Leave your vehicle or mobile home immediately and move to the nearest safe structure or storm shelter. If you are caught in the open, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression with your hands and arms covering the back of your head and neck.
Outdoor sirens are designed for outdoor warning only. They sound once for approximately five minutes to alert people to move indoors and take appropriate action. Outdoor sirens have two tones: a steady wail is used to warn of significant weather (tornadoes, very severe thunderstorms) while the warble, or up-and-down tone, is used for civil emergency situations (serious chemical leaks, nuclear attack, etc.). The “all clear” is only announced through media outlets when the situation that prompted the siren activation has passed.
Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death.
Floods may:
- Result from rain, snow, storms, and overflows of dams and other water systems
- Develop slowly or quickly. Flash floods can come with no warning
- Cause outages disrupt transportation and damage buildings
Flood safety tips and resources can be found online on the National Weather Service website.
Minnesota is known for our cold and snowy winters, but staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Learn how to prepare for winter storms and prevent cold-related health problems, such as hypothermia and frostbite.
- Make a plan. Create and communicate a disaster plan for your family ahead of time
- Weatherproof your home. Insulate water lines, caulk, and weather strip doors and windows, Insulate walls/attic, Install storm or thermal pane windows or cover with plastic from inside, repair roof leaks, and remove tree branches that could fall on your home during a storm.
- Have your chimney or flue inspected each year.
- Install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector. Test them monthly
- Create an emergency car kit.
How to Protect Yourself from Winter Weather
If you are under a winter storm warning, find shelter right away on the Minnesota Department of Health website
Winter Storm Warning
Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.
Winter Storm Watch
Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm.
Winter Weather Advisory
Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.
Know Your Risk for Winter Storms
Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Listen for emergency information and alerts. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
Preparing for Winter Weather
Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups. Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Remember the needs of your pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights. If you are unable to afford your heating costs, weatherization, or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.
In Case of Emergency
Be prepared for winter weather at home, at work, and in your car. Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep a full tank of gas.