Emergency Preparedness

Although you may not be asked to evacuate, disasters can cause power loss for extended periods of time. They may impact a whole community or region unexpectedly causing disruption to essential communication and supplies.

RESOURCES: Power Outage Tips - Ready.gov, Power Outage Info Sheet - FEMA

Thinking about adding a generator for future outages? See the Building Department’s Tips for Safe Generator Installation. A permit is required for installation.

• Report your power outage to the Illuminating Company at firstenergycorp.com/outages or call 1-888-544-4877.
• The City of Beachwood will post updates regarding shelter/relief locations on BeachwoodOhio.com, official city social media accounts, by email and text (Cuyahoga County ReadyNotify) if subscribed.
• Keep your car at least halfway full prior to severe weather. Gas stations may be unavailable or in low supply.
• Know how to manually release your electric garage door.
• Generators should be operated outside only in a well-ventilated space away from windows. View generator tips from the American Red Cross.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer doors. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
• Use surge protectors on your electronic devices like computers or TVs.
• Turn off computers, TVs, appliances and lights that you were using when the power went off. Leave one light turned on so you know when power is restored.
• If the outage is expected for several days, consider relocating to a shelter or friend/family member’s home.

Practice home fire safety and always have an escape plan. A fire can become life-threatening in just two minutes.

RESOURCE: Home Fires - Ready.gov

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home.
• Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries twice per year or use 10-year lithium batteries.
• Check fire extinguisher gauges monthly.
• Ensure matches and lighters are out of reach from children.
• Trim brush and store firewood at least 30 feet from your home.
• Know your family escape plan. Practice it with your children. 
• You should know two ways to get out of each room. Ensure windows are not stuck and screens can be removed.
• Designate a meeting place outside the house. Once you are out, stay out. Do not go back inside for pets or belongings. 
• Teach children not to hide from firefighters.
• Get out fast and crawl low under smoke. If clothes catch fire; stop, drop and roll.
• Call 911 to report the fire only after you have escaped your home from a safe distance.

Tornadoes can be violent, destructive, and unexpected occurrences that can escalate quickly, anytime and anywhere. Prepare for the possibility of a tornado in severe weather and stay tuned to local media.

RESOURCE: Tornadoes - Ready.gov

• Designate your shelter area. Basements are the safest, otherwise use an interior room or hallway on the ground floor away from windows.
• Know your designated shelter location at work or school.
• Keep a radio, TV, and your phone nearby for alerts and updates.
• Watch the sky for funnel-shaped clouds and large hail during a storm.
• Know the location of your emergency supply kit.
• If you are caught outside, lie flat in a ditch or lowest available space and cover your head. Do not get under bridges or overpasses.
• Never attempt to outrun a tornado by foot or vehicle.

Hazards can range from flash flooding to water contamination. Please be aware of what to do if flooding occurs in your neighborhood or home.

RESOURCE: Floods - Ready.gov

• Stay tuned to local media.
• Avoid low-lying areas.
• Never walk through moving water more than 6 inches deep.
• Do not drive through flooded areas. If your vehicle stalls in water, exit and move to higher ground. A car can be swept away in as little as 1 foot of water.

Cold snaps can be as challenging as any other natural disaster. You can beat the temperatures through preseason preparation and the right tips. Extreme winter weather can put older adults, children, sick individuals, and pets at greater risk.

RESOURCE: Winter Weather - Ready.gov

VIDEOS: What to do during a blizzard (FEMA) , What to do if you're stuck on the road (FEMA), How to prepare for a winter storm (FEMA)

• Stock your emergency supply kit before winter.
• Secure backup heat sources such as kerosene heaters. Never use charcoal, gas, or propane heaters indoors.
• Weather-strip windows and doors to seal out cold air.
• Wear several layers of clothing and a hat indoors, especially during power outages.
• Watch for signs of frostbite like loss of feeling along with paleness in the tip of your nose, fingers, toes, and ear lobes.
• Beware of hypothermia. Signs include uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, memory loss, and disorientation.
• Avoid the roads until crews have a chance to clear them. Notify others if you have to go out and do not travel alone. Pack hats, gloves and blankets in your car.
• If you are stranded in your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights and do not start walking outdoors unless an available shelter is visible. Run the engine for 10 minutes each hour to keep warm.

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. Periods of extreme heat can strain your air conditioning, bring storms, and potential power loss.

RESOURCE: Extreme Heat - Ready.gov

• Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible. Stay in the shade if you are outdoors.
• Cover windows with drapes or shades.
• If your home is not air conditioned, spend at least two hours daily at an air-conditioned location like the library or Beachwood Community Center.
• Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Never leave children or pets alone in the car.
• Avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day.
• Check on older adults and family.

In a disaster situation, it may be necessary to evacuate your home for several days or longer. Because disasters can strike with little or no warning, you should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Knowing your emergency plan can make a big difference.

RESOURCE: Evacuation - Ready.gov

• Contact local emergency services to learn the evacuation routes for your neighborhood.
• Make sure your car is fueled, as gas can reach low supplies in disaster.
• Know the location of your supply kit.
• Lock doors and windows. Turn off main switches to the home for gas, water, and electricity if instructed.
• Inform a friend or relative of your evacuation route.
• Watch for hazards like downed power lines or flooded areas.