Stay Prepared for Severe Weather in Brecksville

The sun has been out for the past couple of days, but if the National Weather Service’s predictions are correct, Brecksville residents should be prepared for more rain.  

Cuyahoga County is under a severe thunderstorm watch through this evening, according to the National Weather Service. And the service predicts that Brecksville could see thunderstorms today, Friday and Saturday, with lighter rain likely through the weekend and into Monday. According to the service, today’s storms could include hail, strong winds or heavy rains.

But Brecksville makes it easy for residents to get prepared for bad weather. 

Residents can sign up for the CodeRED Weather Warning system on the city’s website. According to the site, the service sends a message to residents’ phones when the National Weather Service issues notices about dangerous weather situations like flash floods and tornadoes. 

The city also provides an emergency preparedness manual on its website; the manual covers steps residents can take in the event of emergencies like power outages, tornadoes and flooding. The guide even breaks down the meaning of traditional warnings – like the difference between “flood watch” and “flash flood watch” – and addresses how people can prepare for disasters before they happen. 

And in case that thunderstorm prediction comes true, here are some tips:

• The Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness notes that the first step to storm safety is to head inside. 
• The committee recommends that while indoors, people should stay off of phones with cords and equipment, like computers, that directly connects them to electricity. Staying away from indoor water sources is also recommended. 
• The city’s emergency manual notes that if residents lose power, they should contact the electric company – not the police department.