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Preparing for a Tornado

Posted August 30, 2011

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can occur in any state, but most frequently they occur east of the Rocky Mountains. The most common time of the year for a tornado is during the spring and summer months, but a tornado can occur at any time of the year.

Some Tornado Facts

  • An average 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide each year
  • In an average year, tornadoes cause 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries in the United States
  • Tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more
  • Tornadoes can be more than a mile wide and cut a path of destruction of more than 50 miles long

    • Tornado Safety

    BEFORE THE STORM:

    • Develop a plan for you and your family for home, work, school and when outdoors
    • Have frequent drills
    • Build a safe room
    • Know the county/parish in which you live, and keep a highway map nearby to follow storm movement from weather bulletins
    • Have a NOAA Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and battery back-up to receive warnings
    • Listen to radio and television for information

    If planning a trip outdoors, listen to the latest forecasts and take necessary action if threatening weather is possible.

    IF A TORNADO WATCH IS ISSUED for your area it is recommended that you:

    • Be alert to changing weather conditions
    • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information
    • Look for approaching storms
    • Look for the following danger signs:
      • Dark, often greenish sky
      • Large hail
      • A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
      • Loud roar, similar to a freight train

    If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

    IF A TORNADO WARNING IS ISSUED or if threatening weather approaches:

    • In a home or building, move to a safe room or pre-designated shelter, such as a basement
    • If a safe room or an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture
    • Stay away from windows
    • Get out of automobiles
    • Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately
    • Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned
    • If you outdoors when a tornado strikes:
      • Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands
      • Be aware of the potential for flooding
      • Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
      • Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.
      • Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

    AFTER A TORNADO it is recommended that you:

    • Check for injuries and seek appropriate medical care if necessary
    • Be Careful! Tornadoes can create hazardous conditions and safety issues including:
      • Broken glass and hazardous debris
      • Downed trees and downed power and utility lines - NEVER TOUCH a downed wire - notify your local authorities
      • Damaged electrical systems
      • Gas leaks
      • Flooded or washed out roads and bridges from heavy thunderstorms that accompany tornadoes
    • Inform local authorities about health and safety issues, including downed power lines, washed out roads and bridges

    You can learn more about tornadoes by visiting the FEMA website at: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/tornado/index.shtm and get a NOAA Tornado Guide here: http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/edu/safety/tornadoguide.html