Tornado Preperation
What to Do When Tornado HitsTornadoes, the most violent wind can strike every U.S. State, including Alaska and Hawaii. Most Tornadoes form in a belt from Nebraska southward through central Texas known as Tornado Alley and in the Southeast.
When the weather is very warm, oppressive and humid, combined with dark thunderclouds in the Western and Northern sky, it is advised to be extremely alert before a Tornado can hit.
Some facts about Tornadoes:
Before a Tornado
When the weather is very warm, oppressive and humid, combined with dark thunderclouds in the Western and Northern sky, it is advised to be extremely alert before a Tornado can hit.
Some facts about Tornadoes:
- The average speed of Tornado is 30 MPH, but can vary from stationary to 70 MPH.
- It appears in a form of a funnel that looks transparent until it picks dusts and debris from its trail.
- It can strike very quickly with little or no warning at all.
- It is usually accompanied by tropical storms and hurricanes.
- Waterspouts are what you call the tornadoes that are formed over the water.
- Having been known that tornadoes can move in any direction, the average Tornado moves Southwest to Northeast.
- Frequent tornado occurrence are reported to be at the east of the Rocky Mountain mostly during spring and summer months.
- Most tornadoes are likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. but still can accure anytime.
Before a Tornado
- If there is an impending Tornado, it is very important to listen for tornado watch updates and news to NOAA Weather Radio.
- Be aware of the following danger signs like:
- Large Hail
- Dark, greenish sky
- Loud roar similar to that of a freight train.
- A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
- Make sure to involve the whole family of the preparation.
- Secure animals and family members.
- It is great to prepare for a tornado drills before it occurs. This helps so any family member will know what to do during the tornado hit.
- Stay close to safe shelter when a warning is issued and be sure to act quickly.
- Avoid low areas as there might be flooding or high tides.
- Secure all documents and all important files.
- If possible, learn how to perform CPR and always have a first aid kit.
- Check water, food supplies, camping equipment and emergency paraphernalia. Make sure to store water in plastic bottles, large containers, jugs, pots, pans and bath tubs.
- Make sure to turn the gas supply off.
- Make sure to have reserved batteries available for flashlights and portable radios.
- Do not stay inside a mobile home or RV as it can be carried away by the raging tornado.
- Be prepared to evacuate and know where to go. Contact a relative or friends nearby.
- Depending on where you are, whether a residence, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, small building or high-rise buildings, it is strongly advised that you go to a pre-designated safe room, storm cellar, basement or the lowest building level.
- As mush a possible, stay away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls.
- In case there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room, on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway).
- It is best that you be surrounded by many walls as possible.
- Stay under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. You can also use thick blankets are mattresses to cover your head.
- Do not open any windows
- If in a vehicle, mobile home or trailer, immediately get out of the vehicle and go to the lowest floor in a nearby building or a storm shelter.
- Even if mobile homes are tied down, it is not safe and gives a little protection from tornadoes.
- If you are outside, with no shelter. Make sure to lie flat in a nearby ditch and cover your head with your hands.
- Since tornadoes are often accompanied by storm, be aware of the potential to flood.
- Never get under the bridge or an overpass. It is better to stay in a low, flat location.
- When in vehicle, never try to outrun a tornado especially in congested urban areas. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately and look for a safe shelter to stay.
- Watch out for flying debris. Most fatalities and injuries of Tornadoes are caused by flying debris.
- Put on heavy clothes and shoes and encourage others to do the same.
- Stay away from any glass made materials such as windows, aquariums or mirrors.
- Do not leave the shelter until you hear that tornado has ended or a clear siren sounds.
- After the tornado hit, try checking for injuries and wounded people, give them first aid remedies or bring them to the nearest clinic or hospitals.
- Stay tune for news updates, flood warnings, emergency medical centers and shelter locations.
- Keep out from the way of the rescue teams and crews.
- Some electrical wires may be loosed or broken, be careful not to go near them and report them to the right authorities.
- In the event of flooding, keep away from rivers and streams.
- Cautiously approach any animals and keep them in control as much as possible.
- Avoid going near unstable looking buildings.
- Try checking any gas leaks before lighting any match or cigarettes and also do it with caution.
- Watch out for broken sewer pipes and water mains. Make sure to report them to the designated authorities.