Another significant storm affecting the area is on its way and Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue wants to remind residents what to do when hazardous weather approaches.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada serve thunderstorms are expected starting this afternoon/evening, fire officials said in a media release issued at 12:53 p.m.
Damaging winds and tornadoes are the main hazards, but heavy rain (flash floods) and toonie-sized hail is also possible across the municipality.
Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) reported South Buxton was hit by an EF1 tornado and weaker EF0 tornado also touched down in Petrolia on Thursday of last week, fire officials added.
“With the confirmation of two tornadoes in our area, we are thankful that no one was hurt,” stated Chief Ken Labonte, in a press release.
“The family knew what to do, they immediately went down the basement.”
Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue recommends preparing now with a 72-hour emergency kit.
Be ready to live without power, gas, and water.
Gather food, water, and medicine before the storm hits, fire officials added.
“Know the difference between a watch and a warning,” added Whitney Burk, public information officer, in a media release.
“A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in and near your area. A warning means a tornado is near and you need to move to a safe location right away. The best protection is a smaller room with no windows on the lowest level.”
Monitor local weather, as an alert can come through in many forms, including radio, television or on your cellphone, fire officials added.
Have a backup way to charge your phone or have a crank radio if the power goes out.
Signs of dangerous whether include, an extremely dark sky, sometimes highlighted by green or yellow clouds.
A rumbling sound or a whistling sound.
A funnel cloud at the rear base of a thundercloud, often behind a curtain of heavy rain or hail, fire officials say.
With damaging winds except downed wires.
Assume that downed power lines are energized.
Never try to move downed wires or remove tree limbs.
Keep people and pets at least 10 meters (33 feet, or the length of a school bus) away from downed overhead power lines and warn others of the danger.
In case of an emergency – call 911
The area is also under a heat warning. from Environment Canada. Details, here.
For more information about emergency preparedness visit ckfire.ca.
