Tornadoes

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornadoes are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles. Tornadoes can occur at any time of day or night and at any time of the year. Although tornadoes are most common in the Central Plains and southeastern United States, they have been reported in all 50 states.
STAY INFORMED
Stay updated on weather conditions by listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio.
SEEK
SHELTER
If a tornado warning is issued for your area, immediately seek shelter in a safe location.
COVER
YOURSELF
Use blankets or mattresses to protect yourself against flying debris or falling objects.
AVOID
WINDOWS
Avoid windows and glass doors, as they can shatter during a tornado causing injury. 
PRACTICE
DRILLS
Conduct drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Lightning & Flood Threats

While much of the focus during severe weather is on tornadoes, wind and hail, there are actually more deaths caused each year by flooding and lightning, which are also commonly associated with severe weather. If you hear thunder or see lightning, immediately seek shelter. Heavy rainfall from thunderstorms can quickly cause rivers and streams to overrun their banks and cause street flooding in cities. Remember, if you encounter a flooded roadway, do NOT drive or walk into it.

Severe Thunderstorms

A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail at least 1 inch in diameter or has wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people some years than tornadoes or hurricanes. Heavy rain from thunderstorms can cause flash flooding. High winds can damage homes and blow down trees and utility poles, causing widespread power outages. Every year people are killed or seriously injured because they didn’t hear or ignored severe thunderstorms warnings.
STAY
INDOORS
Immediately seek shelter in a basement or a lower level, and stay away from windows, doors, and electrical equipment.
AVOID
WATER
Do not bathe, shower, or have contact with water, as lightning can travel through a building's plumbing.
ELECTRICAL
DEVICES
Unplug all of your appliances and electronic devices to avoid damage from a potential power surge from electricity during the storm.
WEATHER
UPDATES
Stay informed by listening to a weather radio or by following updates from local news outlets and authorities.
YOUR
VEHICLE
If driving when a storm hits, pull over, turn on your hazard lights, and stay inside the vehicle until the storm passes.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that can escape from any fuel-burning appliance, such as a gas furnaces, water heaters and stoves, fireplaces, wood stoves, chimneys or space heaters. It can also be created by an automobile idling in a closed or attached garage.

Grilling

In the interest of everyone having a safe and enjoyable outdoor grilling season, we would like to share some information on open flame cooking devices. Grills must be used outdoors. Use of a grill indoors or in any enclosed space, such as tents, garages, etc. poses both a fire hazard and risk of exposure to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
GRILL LOCATION
Position the grill 15 feet away from siding, deck railings, and other combustibles.
SAFE DISTANCE
Be sure to place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic.
CHILD SAFETY
Keep your children and pets away – declare a 3-foot “safe zone” around the grill to lessen risk.​
PROPER TOOLS
Use long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames.
KEEP IT CLEAN
Periodically, remember to remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by heat.
​Private Dwellings (single family homes, duplexes, townhouses) Charcoal Grills

​Only proper charcoal starter fluid should be used – Never use flammable or combustible liquid, other than charcoal starter fluid, to ignite the grill.
  • Store charcoal starter fluid out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
  • Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have been ignited.
  • Charcoal ash can remain hot for several days, and can start a fire long after the grill has been used. Use caution when disposing of ashes and never store ashes in a plastic or other combustible container.
​Private Dwellings (single family homes, duplexes, townhouses) Gas Grills

​Check for gas leaks before using the grill for the first time each year.

Soapy bubble test
1. Turn on the gas supply (not the grill).
2. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose and couplings (a spray bottle works well).
Bubbles reveal escaping gas. If you determine your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test:
a. Turn off the gas supply
b. If the leak stops, have the grill serviced by a qualified professional before use.
c. If the leak does not stop, call the Fire Department – 911
  • If you smell gas while cooking, immediately turn off the gas supply, get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
  • All gas cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPDs). OPDs shut off the flow of gas before capacity is reached, limiting the potential for release of propane gas if the cylinder heats up. You can easily identify OPDs by their triangular-shaped hand wheel.
  • Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory and properly listed for the application (commercial, residential, etc.) Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on assembly, installation, use and maintenance.
  • Never store propane gas cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.
  • Natural gas installations require permits and inspections by the building department, Inspections Services Division.
Multi-Family Dwellings (garden apartments/condos, high-rises)

​If you live in a high-rise or multi-family dwelling, remember that use or storage of open flame cooking devices is prohibited by Fire Code.  Additionally, the use or storage of propane (LP gas) is prohibited in or on any building. Prohibited grill-types also includes: 
​
  • Charcoal grills
  • Propane grills
  • Solid fuel grills
  • Brazier or hibachi
  • Liquefied petroleum gas-fired stove
  • Smokers (solid, fueled, electric, gas)
  • Flame-producing devices and/or open flames
  • Electric cookers
  • Electric grills

Questions About Open Burning?

Visit the Air Pollution Control Board of Louisville to learn the rules.