A tornado is on its way. Do you know how to respond? Let's look at appropriate safety, what to do during an emergency, and the basic safety equipment you need to have ready before a tornado strikes.
The warning for tornadoes is usually extremely short. Anyone who is in the path of an oncoming tornado must respond very quickly. Because there is a very short warning time, you must be prepared long before this type of emergency hits if you hope to keep your losses to a minimum.
A tornado WATCH is given when weather conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes. During a tornado watch, keep an eye on the weather and prepare to take shelter immediately if conditions worsen.
A tornado WARNING is given when a funnel cloud is sighted or indicated by radar. You should take shelter immediately. Because tornadoes form and move quickly, there may not be time for a warning. That's why it's important to stay alert during severe storms.
The key elements of a tornado response are being prepared and having a plan. If you are in a geographic area where tornadoes are a risk, you should identify appropriate shelter to which you can evacuate when a tornado warning is in effect. Appropriate shelters include basement areas, tunnels, underground parking facilities, or other below-ground locations that are away from glass windows, doors, or panels. Avoid locations where there is a long-span roof, a covered swimming pool, or an atrium-style lobby.
Basic safety equipment needed during a tornado are flashlights, battery-powered radios, and blankets or padding. Throughout the year, periodically check to make sure the flashlights and radios are in good working condition. Also, a weather-alert radio can give you an early warning, especially if it is attached to a siren that will sound an alarm during a tornado watch or warning. Your community may have such a siren to warn the entire area.
What do you need to know to be prepared?
1. The radio or television news will typically give alerts during severe storms. Weather-alert radios will also provide this information. Your community may also have a warning siren.
2. Flashlights with fully charged batteries need to be in an easy-to-reach location--preferably near wherever you will be taking shelter.
3. Know your safety area.
4. Protect yourself by kneeling on the floor, head toward the wall, with your arms protecting your head. For added protection, get under something strong, like a workbench or heavy table. If possible, cover your body with some form of padding, like a blanket, and protect your head with anything available--even your hands.
5. Do not leave your shelter until an "all clear" is broadcast by siren or radio.
