In recognition of National Emergency Preparedness Month, the Brighton Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will share an emergency preparedness tip with citizens each week throughout the month of September to encourage all citizens to prepare themselves and their families for natural and human caused disasters. The goal is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to motivate individuals to take action.NOTIFICATIONS:
* During a significant weather event, get current conditions by listening to NOAA Weather Radios, commercial radio stations (the primary Emergency Alert System station is KOA 850 AM), or television broadcasts (including Municipal Channel 8).
* During a tornado, local sirens will blast to alert you to danger. Seek shelter and listen to radio and television stations for current updates.
* Sign up for “Brighton Alerts.” This is a free notification system which can be downloaded at www.brightonco.gov. Subscribers will receive severe weather warnings directly on the computer screen. When an emergency is declared, it will sound a warning through the PC, followed by a pop-up screen explaining the type of emergency.
DEFINITIONS
Tornado Watch: Conditions are present for a tornado. Keep a radio/TV tuned for further information and gather emergency supplies.
Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or is imminent. Take shelter immediately. If possible, have a battery powered radio available for further instructions.
Winter Storm Watch: Severe winter conditions such as heavy snow or ice are possible within the next 12 to 36 hours. Start preparing now.
Winter Storm Warning: Heavy snow is imminent or occurring. The heavy snow may be accompanied by wind and blowing snow. Stay indoors if possible.
Blizzard Warning: Snow and strong winds (at least 35 miles per hour) will combine to produce blinding snow, deep drifts and life threatening wind chill. Seek shelter.
Winter Weather Advisory: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant problems and may be hazardous. This often poses the greatest hazard to motorists.
Flood Watch: River flooding or flash flooding is possible.
Flash Flood Watch: Heavy rains occurring or expected to occur. Flash flooding is possible. Move to higher ground. A flash flood could occur without any warning. Citizens should be alert to the possibility of a flood emergency, which will require immediate action.
Flood Warning: River flooding is imminent or occurring.
Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring or imminent.
Urban and Small Stream Advisory: Minor flooding is occurring or expected. Flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas is occurring.
Thunderstorm Watch: Thunderstorms are possible. Watch the sky and listen to the radio/TV for more information. Be prepared to take shelter.
Thunderstorm Warning: Thunderstorms are occurring. Take shelter, turn on the radio/TV and wait for directions.
For more information on Emergency Preparedness, visit www.brightonco.gov, www.readycolorado.com or www.ready.gov.
