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Tornadoes
   
BEFORE A TORNADO
Know the terms used to describe tornado threats:
Tornado Watch --
Tornadoes are possible. Watch the sky and listen to the
radio or television for more information. Be prepared to take
shelter. If you
see any rotating funnel-shaped clouds, report them immediately
by telephone
to your local law enforcement agency. If you live in a mobile
home, this is
the time to move to a more substantial structure.
Tornado Warning -- A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather
radar.
Take shelter. Turn on a battery-operated radio or television and
wait for the "all
clear" announcement by authorities.
Refer to the “Before” section under THUNDERSTORMS plus the following:
Determine the best location in your home and office to seek shelter when
threatened by a tornado. A basement or cellar will usually
afford the best
protection. If an underground shelter is not available, identify
an interior room
or hallway on the lowest level.
Conduct periodic tornado safety drills with your family.
Learn how to shut off the utilities to your home.
Decide how and where your family will reunite.
If you live in a mobile home, identify a safe shelter outside of your
mobile home
such as a community park shelter, a neighbor or friend’s house,
or a nearby public building.
In a mobile home, consider installation of an underground shelter that is
large enough
to accommodate you, your family or several other nearby mobile
home residents.
Consider retrofitting your house with special fasteners, connectors and
reinforcing
bands to strengthen the structural integrity. Also, consider
installing a reinforced
concrete and steel “safe room” as a small room within your
house, or excavated
and installed beneath your garage floor.
Maintain a disaster supply kit.
DURING A TORNADO
Take the following actions when a Tornado Warning has been
issued by the National
Weather Service, when sirens have been activated, or when a
tornado has been
sighted near your area.
AT HOME
Go at once to your predetermined shelter (storm cellar, basement
or the lowest level
of the building). In a basement, go under the stairs, under a
heavy piece of furniture
or a workbench. Stay there until the danger has passed.
If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a small inner room
without
windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.
Go to the center of the room. Outside windows and walls may be penetrated
by
high speed, wind-borne missiles.
Get under a piece of sturdy furniture, such as a workbench or
heavy table, and hold onto it.
Use pillows, mattresses or cushions to protect your head and neck.
If in a mobile home, get out and seek shelter elsewhere. A mobile home can
overturn
very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the
unit. If there isn’t a
substantial shelter nearby, seek shelter in a low-lying area.
Shield your head with your hands.
IN
A SCHOOL, NURSING HOME, HOSPITAL, SHOPPING CENTER OR AT WORK
Go
to the designated storm shelter, basement, or to an inside
hallway on the lowest level.
Avoid places with wide-span roofs, such as auditoriums, cafeterias,
gymnasiums and
large hallways. Stay away from windows and open spaces.
Get under a piece of sturdy furniture, such as a workbench or heavy table
or desk, and
hold onto it. If sturdy furniture is not available, make
yourself the smallest target possible.
Squat low to the ground. Put your head down and cover your head
and neck with your hands.
If in a high-rise building, go to small, interior rooms or hallways on the
lowest level possible
and seek protection as detailed above. Stay away from windows
and outside walls.
OUTDOORS
If possible, get inside a substantial building.
If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a
ditch, culvert or
low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Use arms to
protect head and neck.
Stay aware of the potential for flash flooding.
IN A VEHICLE
Never try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. Heavy rain, hail and
traffic may impede your
movement. Tornadoes can change directions quickly and can easily
lift up a vehicle and
toss it through the air.
Get out of the vehicle immediately and try to take shelter in a nearby
building. Do NOT
park under a bridge or underpass.
If there isn’t time to get indoors, get out of the vehicle and lie in a
ditch, culvert or low-lying
area away from the vehicle.
AFTER A TORNADO
Monitor the radio or television for emergency information or
instructions.
Check for injured victims. Render first aid if necessary.
Check on neighbors or relatives who may require special
assistance.
Do not attempt to move severely injured victims unless
absolutely necessary. Wait for
emergency medical assistance to arrive.
Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
Exit damaged buildings. Re-enter only if absolutely necessary using great
caution.
Take photos of or videotape the damage to your home or property.
If driving, be alert for hazards on the roadway.
If unaffected by the tornado, stay out of the damaged area until
allowed to enter by
officials. Your presence may hamper emergency operations. |
