Severe weather

  • Check cellphone for UMaine emergency text message.
  • Check UMaine website for emergency message and instructions.
  • Call 581.INFO (4636).
  • Stay inside until advised.

 

Winter storm

  • Avoid unnecessary travel.
  • Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.
  • Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
  • Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
  • Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.
  • Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
  • If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
  • Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
  • Wear a hat. A hat will prevent loss of body heat.
  • Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

Source: ready.gov

 

Thunderstorm and lightning
If thunderstorm and lightning are occurring in your area, you should:

  • Take shelter in a sturdy building or hard-top automobile. Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
  • Avoid contact with corded phones and devices including those plugged into electric for recharging.
  • Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
  • Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes and do not do laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
  • Stay away from windows and doors.
  • Avoid natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.
  • Avoid hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water.
  • Avoid contact with anything metal (i.e., motorcycles, bicycles).
  • If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity.

If lightning strikes you or someone you know, call 911 for medical assistance as soon as possible. The following are things you should check when you attempt to give aid to a victim of lightning:

  • Breathing — If breathing has stopped, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
  • Heartbeat — If the heart has stopped, administer CPR.
  • Pulse — If the victim has a pulse and is breathing, look for other possible injuries. Check for burns where the lightning entered and left the body. Also be alert for nervous system damage, broken bones and loss of hearing and eyesight.

Source: ready.gov