Got some bad weather heading to North East Ohio today.

Here’s a few free tips you can use to prepare for today severe weather:

• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
• Consider postponing outdoor activities.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Break out your emergency preparedness kit and see if all flashlights are working. If not, get them in working order.
• Charge all of your mobile devices including your cell phone now before the power goes out.

To get up to the minute updates during the Thunderstorm:

• Use your battery operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from the National Weather Service.
• Cordless and wireless phones not connected to wall outlets are safe to use.

And after the storm passes, take these precautions as you survey the damage around your house:

• Do NOT touch downed power lines. Assume all lines are charged and dangerous. Call your emergency services to handle safe removal of lines.
• Wear log sleeved shirts and long pants with gloves and boots. Debris from storms are usually sharp and dangerous.
• Power out? Check the power company’s website to see who else doesn’t have power here.
• Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown! #TADD

Feel free to share these tips with your neighbors too.

@rusnivek