We have covered thunderstorms well, and this week I will discuss tornado safety.
First, what is a tornado? A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy well-made structures, uproot trees, and hurl objects through the air like deadly missiles. Tornadoes can occur at any time of day or night and at any time of the year. Although tornadoes are most common in the Central Plains and the southeastern U.S., they have been reported in all 50 states.
If you know what to do before, during and after a tornado, you will minimize your risk of injury and increase your chances of survival.
Before
Learn how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens, they are designed to warn people who are outside. Sign up for notifications if available in your community. It is recommended that you have a NOAA Weather Radio with a backup battery, in your residence. Media and smartphones are also alert options that will alert you of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes. Always have a backup in case you lose power.
Would you know what to do or where to go to seek shelter when theres a tornado warning? Do you know what a safe shelter is, where is your designated tornado shelter at home, work, school, etc.?
Prepare! A good starting point is to create a communication plan. Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and shelter spaces. If you live in a mobile home or home without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get to quickly, such as your community shelter, church or basement of a friend or family member. Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
Practice your plan. A plan is not good if no one knows what is in it. Conduct a drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. Make sure all family members know where to go when a tornado warning is issued. Dont forget pets if time allows.
The next thing to do is prepare your home. Consider having your safe room reinforced. You can find plans for reinforcing an interior room to provide better protection on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website fema.gov/safe-room-resources.
Help your loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt.
During
Be weather ready, check the forecast regularly to see if youre at risk of tornadoes. Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings.
At home, if you are in a tornado warning area, go to your designated safe room. Dont forget your pets.
At your workplace or school follow your tornado drill procedures and proceed to your tornado shelter calmly and quickly. Stay away from windows and do not go to large open areas such as cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums.
If outside, immediately seek shelter inside a sturdy building if a tornado is approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are NOT safe.
A vehicle is NOT safe. The best course of action is the drive to the closest shelter. If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, abandon your car and seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine or get down in your car and cover your head. Do not pull under an overpass they are very poor sheltering areas. Winds speeds typically will be higher and the area often becomes a debris deposit zone.
After
Stay informed, keep listening to local news or NOAA radio for updates about more tornado watches or warnings. Multiple rounds of storms can produce more tornadoes.
Let your family and close friends know that youre okay so they can help spread the word. Send text messages or post updates on social media as they are more reliable forms of communication than phone calls during a disaster. Cellphone towers can be damaged or overloaded with people making calls.
After the threat has ended, check for property damage. You should start documenting everything after it is safe to do. When walking through storm damage, wear long pants, long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes or boots. Do not enter structures that appear to be damaged they could shift and fall. If you see downed power lines, stay away and contact local utilities. Stay out of damaged buildings. Be aware of scammers.
If you find someone injured, call 911. If you are trained, provide first aid until emergency responders arrive. Be safe out there and always keep an eye on the sky.
Bob the EM
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