For public safety experts, Friday’s severe weather warnings were a time to tell people how to stay safe during and after the storm. John Bobel, public information officer for Lexington’s Division of Emergency Management, said it’s best to have a plan in place – and a safe place to go when winds are whipping.
“In a home the best place is an interior room with no windows. That could be a closet under the stairs. That could be an interior bathroom, but you want some place that's as far inside the house as possible. If the house has a basement, that’s ideal.”
People who live in mobile homes should find a safe shelter for high-wind events. Bobel cautioned that the first wave of a storm often isn’t the last. Only after people are sure it’s over should they step outside – and then, even if it’s a warm day, not with bare feet.
“Make sure you have sturdy shoes. If you go outside, wear long pants a long sleeve shirt. If you've got gardening gloves or work gloves, wear those. Make sure you use battery powered lighting devices. You don't want to light a candle if there's a gas leak.”
Bobel also cautioned to stay away from downed lines, even if they appear to be of the cable or telephone variety.
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