Tips to Stay Safe this Summer

It's officially the summer season and that means in addition to the barbecues, pool parties and long days, there are a few things Johns Creek residents should do to prepare for possible emergency situations. 

Both and parks in Johns Creek are equipped with lightning prediction sirens that sound for 15 seconds and flash a strobe if conditions are favorable for lightning strikes. Park patrons should take cover if the devices are activated. Once the threat has passed, the sirens sound three blasts for five seconds each.

Residents can also read up on the Georgia Emergency Management Agency's safety and preparation tips below:

Thunderstorms and Lightning

• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe storm.
• Postpone outdoor activities in the event of a severe storm and plan to take shelter in case of heavy winds or lightning.
• Understand the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and a severe thunderstorm warning: A thunderstorm watch means there is a possibility of a thunderstorm in your area; a thunderstorm warning means a thunderstorm is occurring or will likely occur soon. If you are advised to take shelter, do so immediately.

Extreme Heat

• Plan to stay indoors and drink plenty of water during extreme heat conditions.
• Prepare your home by keeping it well-insulated and windows shaded.
• Learn about the types of medical conditions - like heat exhaustion and heat stroke - that can result from extreme heat and the proper first aid measures that should be taken.

Floods and Flash Floods

• Develop an evacuation plan that moves you to higher ground away from bodies of waters.
• Consider moving valuables to higher floors and talk to your insurance provider about your policy to see if it covers flood damage.
• Know your area's flood risk and stay out of flood waters as much as possible.

 Drought

• Make a plan to conserve water in your household.
• Have enough bottled water in your "ready kit"— one gallon per person per day for three days.
• Know your local water restrictions and follow direction of water authorities.

 Fire

• Review and practice escape plans from your home.
• Place smoke alarms in every room of your house and create a 30- to 100-foot safety zone around your home by keeping flammable vegetation in this area to a minimum.
• Know to stay low if a fire breaks out, know your wildfire risk and listen to fire officials upon arrival.

The information listed above is a part of the "Ready Georgia" campaign. And since weather is a large component of summertime emergencies, don't forget to go   for a Ready Profile until July 15, which will automatically enter you to win one of 200 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radios.