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Tornado Safety

The following information was taken from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) National Climate Data Center website.

Preparation
• Have a plan. If a tornado warning is issued, or you spot a tornado heading for you, what will you do ...if you are at home, ...at work, ...in your vehicle? Spend a moment to think about it and review it each spring. During imminent danger is not the time to have to think up a plan.
• Put together a tornado/severe weather kit. The kit should include:
• a battery powered radio (preferably with weather channels)
• a flashlight that is in working order (do not store with batteries installed) - consider a flashlight that does not require batteries
• immediate first aid needs (bandages, antibiotic wipes, tweezers, etc.)
• food (energy bars) and bottles of water
• emergency blanket (foil lined to retain warmth)
• large marking pen or bottle of spray paint (to write your address on the driveway, remains of structures for rescue personnel)
• copies of any critical medical records
• whistle (to help rescuers locate you)
• Place your tornado kit inside the place you have designated as your tornado shelter.
• Practice a tornado drill at least once per year for your family, school, or workplace. Ensure everyone knows what to do without having to think about it.

When a tornado watch is issued
A watch is issued when atmospheric conditions are favorable for the formation of tornado producing thunderstorms. You should be prepared to execute your emergency plan.
• Check that your emergency kit is in place and check any battery operated devices.
• Check to be sure that your shelter and the path to the shelter are accessible.
• Monitor your weather radio or local media outlets for the latest information.
• Continue about your normal business

When a tornado warning is issued
A warning means that a tornado has been identified and you are in immediate danger.
• Seek shelter immediately. A shelter should be someplace that has sturdy and/or reinforced walls, preferably in the interior and underground (or lowest level) of a building.
• Many rooms in existing structures are safer places than others.
• No room is safe in a mobile home. Evacuate the home and go to a designated storm shelter.
• In a house or building with a basement, go to the basement. If the basement has a small interior room (such as a bathroom or closet, this should be your shelter.
• In a house or building with a slab foundation (no basement), seek shelter toward the middle of the structure, in a small room (such as a bathroom or closet) on the lowest floor. The stout walls and possible plumbing pipes in the walls may offer additional protection.
• Do not waste time trying to save personal belongings or opening windows, at the moment of a tornado, the only things that are irreplaceable are your life and the lives of those around you.

Outdoor safety
• If you have time, get to a sturdy structure for shelter. Hail and lightning also often accompany tornadoes.
• If you have no time, or there are no sturdy structures nearby, find a low place in the landscape and lay down. Do not seek shelter under a highway overpass if it can be avoided.
• If you are in a car, it is recommended that you abandon your vehicle to seek shelter. You will generally be safer outside the vehicle than in it.
• Stay as low as possible. Not only do winds increase with height above the ground, but the more exposed your body is, the more likely you will be struck by flying debris and seriously injured or killed.
• Avoid sheltering by solitary objects or small groups of trees. Lightning often occurs with tornadoes and these sites are more likely to be struck by lightning.

Afterwards
A tornado will usually pass very quickly and the whole ordeal, while seemingly endless, will be over within 5 or 10 minutes. Now is the time to assess the situation.
• Assess your injuries (if any).
• If you are not trapped or seriously injured, see to those who sheltered with you. Apply first aid if you are able.
• Call for rescue help on a cell phone if able (it is likely that local land lines will be out of service).
• If you are not trapped or seriously injured, help to look for anyone who may be.
• If you are trapped, do not panic. You may be in a dangerous situation, and panicked movements may cause further injury. Call for help. If you have a cell phone, it may still work.
• If there are few visible reference points remaining above ground, attempt to mark existing landmarks with addresses so rescue personnel can navigate and respond effectively.
• When trained emergency responders arrive, follow their directions.