Weather Radio Information

Specific Area Message Encoding

Solon Fire Rescue recommends the purchase of a weather alert radio that offers programmable codes (SAME Codes) for specific areas. These radios provide you with constant monitoring of your local National Weather Service broadcast for messages warning you of hazardous conditions. The SAME feature allows you to hear only messages concerning your county or area. You will receive more complete information about weather conditions in your immediate area, letting you avoid hearing alerts for areas that do not affect you.

Below is the S.A.M.E. code for Cuyahoga county as well as for adjoining counties:

Cuyahoga: 039035
Geauga: 039055
Lorain: 039093
Medina: 039103
Portage: 039133
Summit: 039153

Tornado Safety Information

Tornadoes can occur without warning, giving you very little time to act. it is important to know the basics of tornado safety so that you can survive should a tornado strike. Citizens should take responsibility for their own safety and be prepared now before a watch or warning is issued. Suggestions include meeting with family members to create a plan for how to respond to tornado watches and warnings. You can also conduct regular tornado drills, both at home and at work. It is very helpful to learn how to turn off your water, gas, and electricity at the main switches or valves. This procedure will help prevent further damage if a tornado does occur.

SAFETY AT HOME

The safest place to be during a tornado is underground. Once there, try to find something sturdy you can crawl under. Getting underneath a work bench or heavy table will protect you from flying debris and/or a collapsed roof. If you have no basement or cellar, go to a small room (Bathroom or closet) on the lowest level of the structure, away from windows and as close to the center of the structure as possible.

SAFETY AT WORK

Be aware of emergency shelter plans or locations in buildings and schools where you and your family spend time. If a specific shelter does not exist, move to the building's lowest level. Try to avoid areas with large glass windows, large rooms and wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways or shopping malls.

SAFETY IN YOUR CAR

If you're outside in a car, go immediately to the lowest level of a sturdy building. Sturdy buildings are the safest place to be when tornadoes threaten. Winds from tornadoes can blow large objects, including cars, hundreds of feet away. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and lift up a car or truck, tossing it through the air. Never try to out drive a tornado.

SAFETY OUTSIDE

If there is no building nearby, lie flat in a low spot. Use your arms and hands to protect your head as tornadoes cause debris to be blown at very high speeds. Do not seek shelter under highway overpasses and bridges - weaker structures could be destroyed from the high winds and dangerous flying debris. You will be safer lying flat in a low-lying area where wind and debris can blow above you.

TORNADO FACTS

• The average tornado moves from southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
• The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 m.p.h. but may vary from nearly stationary to 70 m.p.h.
• Tornadoes can occur throughout the year, however, the peak season in Ohio is April through July.
• Tornadoes or most likely to occur between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m., but have been known to occur at any hour of the day or night.
• Ohio averages 16 tornadoes and 5 tornado related fatalities per year.
• The last tornado in Solon was November 10, 2000

Weather Terms

Warning - Indicates that a particular weather hazard is either imminent or occurring. A warning indicates the need to take action to protect life and property. Typical warnings include:

Tornado Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Flash Flood or Flood Warning
Excessive Heat Warning

Watch - Indicates that conditions are favorable for the development of a particular severe weather event. A watch is normally issued for several hours and indicates a need for planning, preparation and an increased awareness of changing weather conditions. Typical watches include:

Tornado Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Flood Watch

SevereThunderstorm - A thunderstorm producing a tornado, damaging winds of 58 m.p.h. or higher, and/or hail 3/4" in diameter or larger.

Thunderstorm - In general, a local storm accompanied by lightning and thunder, usually with strong wind gusts, heavy rains and sometimes hail.

Straight Line Winds - Thunderstorm winds that may produce damage which typically exhibits a lack of rotational damage pattern. Straight line winds are most often produced by a thunderstorm gust front, originating from a downburst.

Downburst - Intense gust of wind or downdraft that exits the base of a thunderstorm and spreads out horizontally at the earth's surface as a strong wind which often causes damage.