Weather Safety
Storm Response Active. Stay safe before, during, and after severe weather. Check current conditions before you travel. Last updated: August 13, 2026, 9:00 a.m.
Sign up for weather alerts from the National Weather Service.
Visit weather.gov/wrn/wea or call the NWS Wilmington Office at 937-383-0031.
Severe Weather Safety
Stay safe before, during, and after severe weather. Keep away from downed power lines, avoid walking or driving through floodwater, and move to higher ground if water levels rise.
Downed Power Lines
Treat every downed power line as live and dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away. Do not touch the line or anything it is touching, including trees, fences, and vehicles.
Call 911 immediately if a downed line poses a threat to people nearby.
To report a downed line that is not an immediate danger to people, contact your power provider.
AEP Ohio: outagemap.aepohio.com
Columbus Power: gis.columbus.gov/PowerOutage
For information on power and electrical safety, visit Columbus Water and Power.
If a power line falls on your vehicle while you are inside it: Stay in the vehicle. Call 911. Do not get out until emergency crews tell you it is safe. If fire forces you to exit, jump clear with both feet together and do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
Floodwater
Avoid walking or driving through floodwater. Move to higher ground if water levels rise.
Turn around. Do not drown.
Floodwater is more dangerous than it looks. Six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet. Twelve inches can carry away a small vehicle. Floodwater may also hide downed power lines, open manholes, and debris.
Floodwater can carry sewage, chemicals, and bacteria. If you come into contact with floodwater, wash with soap and clean water as soon as you can.
To report street flooding or a basement flood caused by sewer backup, call 311 at 614-645-3111 or visit columbus.gov/311Weather.
For current flood information and forecasts, visit forecast.weather.gov.
Weather Alerts and Forecasts
For trusted information and guidance, visit the National Weather Service (NWS).
Sign up for weather alerts: weather.gov/wrn/wea
Current forecasts and flood information: forecast.weather.gov
NWS Wilmington Office: 937-383-0031
The NWS Wilmington office covers Columbus and Central Ohio.
Generator Safety
Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or in any enclosed space. Carbon monoxide from generators is deadly and you cannot see or smell it.
Place generators outdoors and at least 20 feet away from your home, with the exhaust pointed away from doors, windows, and vents.
Let a generator cool before refueling. Do not plug a generator directly into a wall outlet.
If you have a carbon monoxide detector, make sure it has working batteries. If anyone develops a headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion, get outside to fresh air immediately and call 911.
Storm Cleanup Safety
Cleanup after severe weather carries real risk. Take your time and protect yourself.
Before you start: Do not enter a building with visible structural damage until it has been cleared by a professional. Do not use electrical equipment that has been wet until a licensed electrician has inspected it.
While you work: Wear closed toe shoes, work gloves, and eye protection. Only use chainsaws and power tools you are trained to operate. Never work alone. Take breaks in a cool place and drink water.
Wounds from debris or floodwater: Wash wounds immediately with soap and water and cover them. Keep your routine 10 year tetanus booster up to date. For deep, dirty, or puncture wounds, a booster may be needed if it has been more than 5 years. Seek medical care within 24 to 48 hours for wound cleaning or an expedited booster.
For complete guidance on staying safe during and after a natural disaster, visit CDC Natural Disaster Safety.
Report Storm Issues to 311
Call 311 at 614-645-3111 or visit columbus.gov/311Weather to submit service requests on issues including:
A tree blocking the street. Basement flooding caused by sewer backup. Street flooding.
You can also connect with the City's 311 virtual support center for help with any non-emergency city service.
Call 911 for life threatening emergencies, including downed live power lines, structural collapse, fire, or medical emergencies.
Call 311 at 614-645-3111 for all non-emergency storm needs.
Questions? Call 311 at 614-645-3111.
Page last updated: August 13, 2026, 9:00 a.m. | Content owners: Mayor's Office / Columbus Water and Power / National Weather Service | Publisher: Department of Technology | Check current weather conditions before traveling.