Stay Prepared All Year Long

Lightning strikes, intense heat, freezing temperatures, massive rainfall and thunderstorms, high humidity, and high winds are all part of Tallahassee’s weather throughout the year. Staying prepared for severe weather may involve specific preparations for your particular circumstances. At the same time, we have in common those plans and procedures that none of us should ignore.

Tallahassee-Leon County Consolidated Dispatch Agency stands ready to make an effective difference in the community by providing high-quality, professional, and effective communications, and to ensure responder safety while striving to save lives and protect property. Through cooperation, continued education, and our commitment to excellence, we are the vital link to emergency services.

Download your FREE severe weather guide!

Your severe weather guide is designed to equip you with the basic information you need and help you find the professional assistance that should be sought in each of the areas represented. In each case, we have presented the best information available on the topic. Download and keep it handy for quick reference.

As you review the areas of important information provided here, you will find that there are some general guidelines that each of us should observe:

  • Have a plan
  • Respond quickly
  • Follow professional advice

Tallahassee Prepared is an authorized NOAA/National Weather Service Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador™ for Tallahassee and the Big Bend Florida region.

  • Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you’re at risk for severe weather. Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. Check the Weather-Ready Nation for tips.
  • Sign Up for Notifications: Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smartphones to alert residents to severe storms.
  • Create a Communications Plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. Pick a safe room in your home such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Get more ideas for a plan at: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
  • Practice Your Plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a damaging wind or large hail is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when severe thunderstorm warnings are issued. Don’t forget pets if time allows.
  • Prepare Your Home: Keep trees and branches trimmed near your house. If you have time before severe weather hits, secure loose objects, close windows, and doors, and move any valuable objects inside or under a sturdy structure.
  • Help Your Neighbor: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for severe thunderstorms. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt during severe weather.