If you are caught outside during high winds:
- Take cover next to a building or under a secure shelter.
- Stand clear of roadways or train tracks, as a gust may blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
- Use handrails where available and avoid elevated areas such as roofs.
- Listen to the radio for changes in weather conditions that could create more dangerous driving.
In the event of a downed power line:
- Report downed lines to Dixie Electric or call 911.
- Avoid anything that may be touching downed lines, including vehicles or tree branches.
- Honk your horn, roll down the window and warn anyone who may approach of the danger. Ask someone to call the police.
- Do not exit the car until help arrives unless it catches fire. To exit, open the door, but do not step out. Jump without touching any of the metal portions of the car’s exterior, and quickly get to safe ground.
If you are driving:
- Keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.
- Watch for objects blowing across the roadway and into your path.
- If a line falls on your car, stay inside the vehicle. Do not touch any part of the metal frame of your vehicle.
- Keep a safe distance from cars in adjacent lanes, as strong gusts could push a car outside its lane of travel.
- Take extra care in a high-profile vehicle such as trucks, vans, SUVs, or when towing a trailer, as these are more prone to being pushed or flipped by high wind gusts.
- If winds are severe enough to prevent safe driving, safely pull over onto the shoulder of the road and stop; avoid parking near trees, power lines or buildings.
