Tornado Safety Tips
It’s important to understand the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. Tornado watches are issued by the National Weather Service when conditions seem favorable for the formation of tornados. A tornado watch can cover a widespread area, often hundreds of square miles, and often are issued when thunderstorms are in the forecast. A tornado watch is a heads-up to stay alert and be advised about possible weather changes. A tornado warning, however, is serious business. A tornado warning is never issued unless a trained storm spotter on the ground has observed a funnel cloud or when a definite “hook” on radar is noted by weathercasters. A tornado warning often pre-empts television programming with special weather reports and requires cities to activate warning sirens for the community.
In the event of a warning, persons in the path of the storm should seek shelter. If a home has a basement, families should gather there. If no basement is available, then an outdoor cellar or storm shelter (which can be purchased, especially in tornado prone regions) is an option. Some homes are built with a “safe room” and this is another place to weather out such a storm. In the event there are no other options, persons might – if time permits – leave for a public shelter or go to a small room on the lowest floor of the home. A bathroom, even a closet can be safer than taking chances with an approaching tornado. Cover heads and bodies with pillows, blankets, cushions, even a mattress. Take a radio along to your safe spot or turn up the radio or television loud enough to hear continuining weather reports.
If caught outside or behind the wheel of a vehicle during a tornado, seek immediate shelter. If possible, take cover in a nearby building. When in open country or along a highway, find a ditch or even a low depression in the ground. Do not remain in a vehicle – a strong tornado can toss vehicles around like toys. Never take cover beneath an underpass on the highway or freeway. Although once believed to be a safe location, confirmed reports of individuals sucked away by the power of the tornado are common.
Those in a public building – school, hospital, office, or store – when a tornado strikes should move to the lowest floor or take cover in a cooler (such as in a grocery store). If no one is making any effort to take shelter, find someone in charge and ask that shelter is taken for all present.
Plan in advance where your family will take shelter in the event of a tornado. Have a cell phone and take it to shelter. Prepare a tornado survival kit in advance. Store it in the safe location or have it ready to grab and go when a storm is immiment. Include a cell phone, working flashlight with fresh batteries, a radio (standard or a weather radio that tunes reports from the National Weather Service), and a first aid kit. Take cash, credit cards, insurance papers, and other valuable, necessary papers along. If possible, stockpile at least three gallons of water per person, canned foods and a non-electric can opener, and extra blankets.
Never underestimate the destructive force of a tornado. Although such storms range in severity, deaths and injuries occur with many tornados each year. If a tornado destroys your location, evacuate if possible once the storm has passed. If necessary, wait for emergency personnel to assist. Be aware that downed power lines present a danger, that a pool of water may be electrified by such lines, and that gas leaks could cause an explosion. Do not light a match or lighter of any kind.
Remember, most possessions can be replaced and even valuable keepsakes are not worth loss of life. Tornados are one of nature’s most destructive forces and they can strike anywhere, in any season. Plan ahead and be prepared. Take appropriate safety measures when a tornado warning is issued and stay alive.
