Tornadoes

Tornado Preparedness

Prepare A Home Tornado Plan

Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor with no windows. Keep this place uncluttered.

If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing:

First aid kit and essential medications
Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
Canned food and manual can opener
Bottled water
Sturdy shoes and work gloves
Also include in the kit written instructions on how to turn off your home's utilities.
Conduct periodic tornado drills, so everyone remembers what do when a tornado is approaching.
Stay Tuned For Storm Warnings
Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.

Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means

A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.
When a Tornado Watch Is Issued . . . .
Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.
Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.

When a Tornado Warning Is Issued . . . .

If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.
If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety (as above).

After The Tornado Passes . . . .

Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.

Additional Safety Tips:

At Home

Avoid windows, flying glass can injure, or kill
Don't open windows.
Go to an interior room on the lowest floor, like a closet, hallway or bathroom, with no windows.
Basements are excellent. Stay under something sturdy.
Cover your body with a blanket/sleeping bag, and use your arms to protect your head.

Mobile Homes

Leave.
Lie flat in a ditch or ravine and put your arms over your head.
Don't take shelter under your mobile home. If time allows, go to a friend who has a basement

On the Road

Stop your vehicle, and get out. Seek shelter away from your vehicle in a nearby ditch or ravine. Stay away from trees. Lie flat and put your arms over your head
Don't get under the vehicle, as they are easily tossed by tornadoes regardless of their size
Don't try to outrun a tornado

Long Span Buildings - Shopping Malls, Theaters, Gymnasiums, etc.

Seek shelter in the restrooms which are usually made of concrete blocks
In theaters, under the seats, covering your head
In department stores, get up against heavy shelving or counters

Schools, Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Office Buildings

Go to the innermost portions on the lowest floor
Don't use elevators, you will be trapped if the power goes off
Avoid windows, glass doorways and auditoriums not protected by overhead floors and rooms
Protect your head, and make yourself a small target by crouching down

In the Open, and in General

Lie in a gully, ditch, or low spot in the ground, while protecting your head and body with anything available.
Don't go into a grove of trees or under a vehicle
Don't go into damaged building, they may collapse
Check for gas or other utility line breaks
Flashlights only, no open flame, match lighter, etc.
Wait for help from local authorities