© 2023 WEKU
Central and Eastern Kentucky's Radio News Leader
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Support WEKU during our Spring member drive and get the special WEKU Tote bag! Become a new member today!

Emergency officials offer tips on how to stay safe during, after severe weather

Midway storm damage.jpeg
Kat Beasley
/
Submitted photo
Building damaged near I-64 during Friday storms

For public safety experts, Friday’s severe weather warnings were a time to tell people how to stay safe during and after the storm. John Bobel, public information officer for Lexington’s Division of Emergency Management, said it’s best to have a plan in place – and a safe place to go when winds are whipping.

“In a home the best place is an interior room with no windows. That could be a closet under the stairs. That could be an interior bathroom, but you want some place that's as far inside the house as possible. If the house has a basement, that’s ideal.”

People who live in mobile homes should find a safe shelter for high-wind events. Bobel cautioned that the first wave of a storm often isn’t the last. Only after people are sure it’s over should they step outside – and then, even if it’s a warm day, not with bare feet.

“Make sure you have sturdy shoes. If you go outside, wear long pants a long sleeve shirt. If you've got gardening gloves or work gloves, wear those. Make sure you use battery powered lighting devices. You don't want to light a candle if there's a gas leak.”

Bobel also cautioned to stay away from downed lines, even if they appear to be of the cable or telephone variety.

**In a sea of partisan news, WEKU is your source for public service, fact-based journalism. Monthly sustaining donors are the top source of funding for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.

John McGary is a Lexington native and Navy veteran with three decades of radio, television and newspaper experience.
WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.