'We're looking at possible tornados, hail': Tips to prepare for severe weather

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Experts stress the importance of being prepared for severe weather events like the one we can expect Tuesday night.

"We're looking at high winds. We're looking at possible tornados, hail," Public Information Officer for Wisconsin Emergency Management Katie Rousonelos said.

Rousonelos tells CBS 58 that one of the most important things you can do is to stay aware during severe weather. Getting alerts on your phone is recommended but having another way to get information is crucial.

"So, think about getting information from your local TV news station or local radio," she said.

Having a portable phone charger you can use if your power goes out is also recommended, especially if you need to report an outage to We Energies using their app, website, or by calling them.

"You want to make sure to let us know if you experience a power outage. Don't assume that it's something we know about," We Energies Spokesperson Alison Trouy said. "We always keep an eye on the skies, on the weather, to make sure that we're prepared as we can be for whatever Mother Nature throws our way."

Trouy said We Energies crews are ready to restore power to customers as they expect the high winds to cause interruptions in service.

"If you do see a downed powerline, always assume it's energized and stay at least 25 feet away and give us a call. It can be dangerous, if not deadly," she said.

Before the storm, bring in or secure anything outside your home that could get blown away. During it, be in a spot inside, away from windows or outside doors.

"During high winds, objects can become projectiles and can fly through windows. You might even have some tree limbs that may be falling too. So, it's just a safer area of your home to make sure you don't get any broken glass that would be coming at you causing injury," Rousonelos explained.

If you are driving when the weather rolls through, watch out for flash flooding.

"We cannot stress enough to turn around, don't drown. Don't try to drive into those flooded waters because you never know how deep it is," Rousonelos said.

If you need immediate help, call 911.

To report an outage or to view the outage map for We Energies, click here.