During a High Wind Event
Take Shelter
Immediately go inside a sturdy building during a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning and move to an interior room or basement.
If you are in a mobile home, move to a sturdy building before the winds pick up or the storm system reaches your location.
Listen to the local news or NOAA Weather Radio for updates.
If Caught Outside or Driving
Take shelter in your car if you are not near a sturdy building. If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building. Otherwise, move your car to a location where it is less likely to be hit by falling trees or power lines.
If no shelter is available avoid trees, power lines, and the side of the road. Keep in mind that power lines that are laying on the ground may be live. Do not go near them! Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.
If you are driving and aren’t near a sturdy building, hold the steering wheel with both hands and slow down.
Keep a distance from high profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers. One strong gust of wind can be enough to flip one of these trailers onto its side.
During a Dust Storm or Santa Ana Winds and Wildfires
Get indoors. Close all windows and turn off all AC units.
If driving, pull your vehicle off the pavement as far as possible, stop, turn off lights, set the emergency brake, take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated. If you can’t pull off the roadway, proceed at a speed suitable for visibility, turn on lights and sound horn occasionally. Use the painted center line to help guide you. Look for a safe place to pull off the roadway. Never stop on the traveled portion of the roadway.
If you are in an area subject to Santa Ana winds or wildfires, be prepared to take precautions against wildfires. Learn more at the NWS Wildfire Safety site