It is never too early to prepare for severe weather or a disaster.
The Town of Cedarburg has taken steps to ensure that preparations will be adequate to cope with such disasters, and to provide for the common defense, to protect the public peace, health, safety and general welfare and to preserve the lives and property of the people of the Town of Cedarburg.
The Town Board has appointed the Director of Public Works to serve as the Town's Emergency Management Director. The director coordinates all activities of emergency management within the Town and shall maintain liaison and cooperate with the Cedarburg Fire Department, Ozaukee County Sheriff and his Department, and emergency management agencies and organizations of other political subdivisions and of the state and federal government and shall participate in county and state emergency management activities upon request.
Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Winter storms can paralyze an entire region. This website offers helpful tips on how to prepare for the unique challenges of winter weather.
Town Flood Mitigation Policy
In 2009, the Town Board approved a policy to govern the Town's response to flooding conditions within our jurisdiction. Although flooding is typically a rare occurrence in the Town, this policy allows both residents and Town employees to prepare in advance of a flood. Click here to view the flood policy.
The following information will assist you and your family prepare for a disaster.
Watches & Warnings
National Weather Service Warnings & Advisories Thresholds
TORNADO WATCH: Conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.
TORNADO WARNING: A tornado is imminent (based on weather radar information) or has been sighted by spotters. If a tornado warning is issued for your area - move to your pre-designated place of safety. SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY!
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH: Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms with damaging straight-line (downburst) winds and/or large hail.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING: Severe thunderstorms with damaging straight-line winds and/or large hail are imminent or are occurring.
Where to Go In Severe Weather
In a house with a basement: Avoid windows. Get in the basement and under some kind of sturdy protection (heavy table, work bench or stairs), or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag.
In a house with no basement, a dorm, or an apartment: Avoid windows. Go to the lowest floor, small center room (like a bathroom or closet), under a stairwell or in an interior hallway with no windows. Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down; and cover your head with your hands. Even in an interior room, you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding (mattress, blankets, etc.), to protect against flying or falling debris.
In an office building: Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building -- away from glass. Then, crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter. Stay off elevators you could become trapped in them if the power is lost.
In a mobile home: Get out! Most tornadoes can destroy even tied-down mobile homes. If your community has a tornado shelter, go there fast. If there is a sturdy permanent building within close distance, seek shelter there. Otherwise, lie flat on low ground away from your home, protecting your head. If possible, use open ground away from trees and cars, which can be blown onto you.
At school: Follow the drill! Go to the interior hall or room in an orderly way as you are told. Crouch low, head down, and protect the back of your head with your arms. Stay away from windows and large open rooms like gyms and auditoriums.
In a car or truck: Get out of the vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a permanent building. Do not try to out run a tornado. If there is no shelter, lie flat and face down, protecting the back of your head with your arms.
Before the Storm
- Develop a plan for you and your family for home, work, school and outdoors.
- Know the county/township in which you live, and keep a highway map nearby to follow storm movement from weather bulletins.
- Have a NOAA Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and battery back-up to receive warnings.
- Listen to local radio and television stations for further information.
A Disaster Supplies Kit Should Include
- A 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
- One change of clothing and footwear per person.
- Blanket or sleeping bag per person.
- A first-aid kit, including prescription medicines.
- Emergency tools, including a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a portable radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
- Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
- An extra set of car keys and a credit card or cash.
Other Resources for Tornado and Severe Weather
Ozaukee County Emergency Management Plan
Midwest Winter Road Conditions
WE Energies Outage Map
Tornado Preparedness
FEMA Disaster Preparedness
Wisconsin Emergency Management
Ready Wisconsin
Thunderstorms Packet
Tornado info for kids
Thunderstorm info for kids
Ozaukee County Emergency Management
National Weather Service
Cedar Creek Water Gauge at Highway 60