PREPARATION AND SAFETY TIPS
Be aware of changing weather conditions!
Since tornadoes can
sometimes strike with little or no warning, you need to be prepared
before the storm strikes. Several life saving steps should be taken so
that you and your family can react quickly in case of a tornado threat.
As tornado season approaches, you and your family should design a
tornado plan and designate a safety shelter. Once the plan is designed,
several practice drills should be done. If a tornado warning is issued
for your location, take the following steps immediately. These steps
should also be practiced during your tornado drill.
How To Prepare For Tornadoes
- Know the terms used to describe tornado threats:
- Tornado Watch Stay tuned to radio or television weather sources as weather conditions are favorable for tornado development.
- Tornado Warning Take shelter immediately because a tornado has been sighted, or a tornadic storm has been indicated on radar.
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch Conditions are favorable for Severe Thunderstorm development.
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning A Severe Thunderstorms is occurring or is imminent.
- Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio with a battery backup and tone-alert feature which will automatically alert you when a Watch or Warning is issued. Purchase a battery-powered commercial radio and extra batteries as well.
- Have emergency supplies on hand.
- Make an inventory of your possessions. Take photographs of or videotape your belongings. Keep records in a safe deposit box or some other safe place away from the premises.
What To Do During A Tornado
When a tornado has been sighted, go to your shelter immediately. Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.
- In a house or small building, go to the basement or storm cellar.
- If there is no basement, go to an interior room on the lower level (bathrooms, closets, interior hallways).
- In a school, nursing home, hospital, factory or shopping center, go to pre-designated shelter areas. Interior hallways on the lowest floor are usually safest. Stay away from open spaces and windows.
- In a high-rise building, go to a small, interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
- Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.
- Use arms to protect head and neck.
- If in a mobile home, trailer, or vehicle, get out immediately and go to a more substantial structure.
- If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine or culvert with your hands shielding your head.
- In a car, get out and take shelter in a nearby building. Do not attempt to out-drive a tornado. They are erratic and move swiftly.
- Freeway underpasses can be dangerous and are NOT necessarily suitable tornado shelters! See: Latest Research
The designated tornado shelter should always be stocked with the following disaster supplies:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Portable, battery-operated radio with weather band and extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Emergency food and water
- Non-electric can opener
- Essential medicines
- Cash and credit cards
- Sturdy shoes
What To Do After A Tornado
- Watch out for broken glass and downed power lines.
- Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger or death or further injury. If you must move aqn unconscious person, first stabilize the neck and back, then call for help immediately.
- If the victim is not breathing but has good pupil reflex, carefully position the victim for artificial respiration, clear the airway and commence mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
- Maintain body temperature with blankets. Be sure the victim does not become overheated.
- Never try to feed liquids to an unconscious person.
- Use great caution if entering a damaged building. Be sure that walls, ceiling and roof are in place and that the structure rests firmly on the foundation. Wear sturdy work boots and gloves.
