BASIC SHELTERING RULES
Citizens are encouraged to Shelter In Place in the event of severe weather. Seek an area within your current location rather than try to get to a remote shelter. The average time from warning to touchdown may be as little as 10 minutes. Seldom is there enough time to go to any shelter other than one in your own location.
Basic rules for sheltering during a tornado or high wind event:
- Inside is better than being outside
- Below ground is better than being above ground
- Lower floor is better than being on the upper floors
- In all instances, place yourself in an interior room with multiple walls between you and the outside. A small interior room, such as a closet or bathroom will provide the most protection.
We recommend every citizen employ at least three means of hazardous weather notification and information:
- Outdoors – Warning Sirens
- Indoors – NOAA Weather Radio
- Cell Phones – Weather Notification Services
The Bates County Sheriff’s Department provides NIXLE as a service to alert the public to weather as well as other information.