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To be safe you must stay ALERT,
this is especially important during severe weather or when
conditions have been shown to be capable of producing tornado's..
Most deaths and injuries happen to people who are unaware
and uninformed. Young children, the elderly or disabled, may
not recognize or be able to respond quick enough if a tornado
were to develop. Early preparation is the key to being safe.
BEFORE THE STORM DEVELOPS
Have an understand for weather conditions most likely to
develop tornado's and severe weather
Be prepared, have emergency supplies ready. Some of these
supplies could include:
- Water
- Blankets
- Canned Food
- Candles
- Wind-up powered flashlights and radios
- Extra batteries
All supplies should be kept in an container or location near
your homes designated "safe" spot
BEFORE THE SIREN SOUNDS
Be alert, listen to the local weather station, radio or have
a NOAA weather radio close by, and be prepared to seek shelter
in a hurry. Be alert to what is happening outside as well.
Here are some of the things that people describe when they
tell about a tornado experience:
- A sickly greenish or greenish-black color to the sky.
- If there is a watch or warning posted, then the fall of
hail should be considered as a real danger sign. Though
common during severe storms, hail does not always have tornado
activity associated with it
- A strange quiet that occurs within or shortly after the
thunderstorm.
- Clouds moving by very fast, especially in a rotating pattern
or converging toward one area of the sky.
- A sound a little like a waterfall or rushing air at first,
but turning into a roar as it comes closer. The sound of
a tornado has been likened to that of both railroad trains
and jets.
- Debris dropping from the sky.
- An obvious "funnel-shaped" cloud that is rotating,
or debris such as branches or leaves being pulled upwards
Listen to the radio and television, is there a watch or warning
issued? Whats the difference?
- A watch means that
conditions are favorable for tornado's to form, be alert
- A warning means
a tornado or funnel cloud has been spotted, take shelter
immediately!!!
WHILE THE SIREN IS SOUNDING
Take shelter:
- In the home move to your basement. Get under a heavy surface
if possible, stay away from all windows. If there are windows,
cover everybody with a thick blanket. If you have no basement
take cover in small windowless interior rooms on the lowest
level, such as closets or bathrooms
- If you're in an office building or school, protect yourself
in an interior hallway or a lower floor. Avoid auditoriums,
gymnasiums, or other structures with wide free span roofs
- If your in a mobile home or vehicle, leave and head to
a substantial structure. If there is no shelter nearby,
lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine or culvert with your
hands shielding your head
AFTER THE DUST SETTLES
Take a head count of all family members, ensure everyone
is alright. Be carefull with walking around, there may be
downed power lines and other hidden dangers that can cause
harm. Do not tie up the phone lines, save them for emergency
use only. Secure your remaining property to protect it from
further damage or theft, help out your neighbors, and assist
as safely as possible with general cleanup.
Stay aware, and you will stay alive! |
