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Storm and Tornado Safety
Don't wait until storms arrive to prepare for severe weather. Though the City of Allen has been named "Storm Ready" by the National Weather Service, citizens must take precautions to protect themselves, their families and their property from dangerous weather.
Northeast Texas Public Health District has created both video and written information on eighteen emergency preparedness topics to serve deaf, blind and limited sight populations. The information is available for public use, free of charge, on the Accessible Emergency Information website.
Emergency Information For Hearing and Sight Impaired Populations
Northeast Texas Public Health District has created both video and written information on eighteen emergency preparedness topics to serve deaf, blind and limited sight populations. The information is available for public use, free of charge, on the Accessible Emergency Information website.
Outdoor Sirens
Allen operates fourteen outdoor warning sirens that sound during severe weather events. Though the sirens are placed strategically throughout the city, they are designed to warn people who are outdoors. People who are inside may not hear them, as air conditioning, thunder, wind, rain and other conditions can drown out the sound. Read more about outdoor warning sirens.
Weather Reports
The City of Allen highly recommends each home and business have other means to receive warnings and notifications, including internet, radio, television or a NOAA weather radio. The Allen Fire Department works with the NBC 5 Weather Team to provide you with as much information possible to prepare you in the event of adverse weather conditionsWeather Radios
Permission was given to the Allen Fire Department by NBC 5- KXAS to reference educational and informational material on their website, with the intent to fulfill our collective goals in educating the public in the event of severe weather. Some sites or portions of sites that are referenced to or linked to from this site may be sponsored by private companies or corporations. The Allen Fire Department does not endorse any corporate sponsors.
When a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, you should take shelter immediately. Remember that thunderstorms can produce a tornado with little or no warning.
- In homes or small buildings: Go to an interior room on the lowest level, such as a closet or bathroom. Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Crawl under a sturdy surface, such as a heavy table or desk. Cover yourself with thick padding, such as blankets or a mattress. Use your arms to cover your head and neck to protect against flying debris.
- In schools, hospitals, factories or shopping centers: Go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest level. Stay away from glass-enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs, such as auditoriums and warehouses. Crouch down and cover your head and neck. Centrally located stairwells are good shelter.
- In cars or mobile homes: Abandon them immediately! Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If you are in either of those locations, leave them and go to a substantial structure or shelter.
- If no suitable structure is nearby: Lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression and use your hands to cover your head. Be alert for flash floods!
Being outdoors is the most dangerous place to be during a lightning storm. If a storm is approaching, go indoors or take shelter in a hard-topped vehicle. If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning.
Lightning Safety
Lightning is one of the most common causes of house fires in Allen. If your house is struck by lightning, call the fire department and, if possible, have them check for hot spots in the walls with thermal imaging equipment. If you see fire or smell smoke, get out and call 911.
KnoWhat2Do
The KnoWhat2Do website was developed through the collaboration of our North Central Texas regional governments. It provides a comprehensive resource for preparing you on how to Think, Prepare and Act to protect your personal safety and the safety of those around you.